Central Consolidated Schools 50 year Lease Renewals Completed by Navajo President

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

SHIPROCK, NEW MEXICO – Navajo President Ben Shelly was busy this past Friday. He signed four land lease renewals for Central Consolidated School District. Each of the leases are for 50 years.

Navajo President Ben Shelly

“The schools provide education for you and these leases are very important because they help bring education to our children.”

President Shelly said to a room of more than 50 students present to watch the signing of the land leases.

The Central Consolidated School District student population consists of 89 percent American Indians, most of whom are Navajo.

During the hour-long signing ceremony at Tse'Bit'Ai Middle School, Naschitti Elementary School was the first lease to be signed with 10.90 acres of land to be developed, used or occupied for maintain or improving the school, playground, athletic field and employee housing. Newcomb land lease contains 45.78 acre for maintaining the K-12 public schools, teacher housing, administration and transportation support facility.

The Shiprock area of the Central Consolidated School District has two land leases that focus on transportation, teacher housing and an administration complex.

The 4.01acre land lease for the Shiprock transportation and teacher housing facility allows the lessee to develop, use and occupy the premises for operating and maintaining public school transportation facilities, storage tanks for gasoline, diesel and motor oil along with maintaining housing.

Shiprock administration complex renewed the lease of 46.87 acres.

“Our priority is our children. They are our future. We need to make sure the school districts are providing a good education. And we need to make sure the schools have their leases up to date.”

President Shelly stated in regards to previous lease issues in which leases were lapsed.

Council Delegate Russell Begaye was also present during the signing of the land lease renewals.

President Shelly signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Central Consolidated School District on March 16 to "ensure that all students succeed and are provided the best educational opportunities."

The Memorandum of Agreement focuses on the Nation's efforts through the Department of Diné Education in developing and implementing Navajo language, culture, history, character, and government standards as well as holding Central Consolidated School District accountable of ineffective implementation.

posted May 14, 2012 6:00 am edt