San Juan’s first majority Native School Board approves impact aid application, SJHS entry project

by David Boyle
News Director
The San Juan School Board approved an entryway expansion at San Juan High, applied for Impact Aid funding, and made history with the swearing-in of the first majority Native American board in the district at their January 22 meeting.
Board members elected in 2024 including Ron Nielson, Nan Barton and Lucille Cody were sworn in to the San Juan School Board to begin the meeting. The three joined Nelson Yellowman and Colleen Benally. 
The day was recognized as historic as it is the first Indigenous majority board membership with Navajo board members Cody, Yellowman and Benally making up the majority of the five-member board.
At the start of the year the board also voted Barton to serve as board president with Benally appointed as vice president.
Members of the board also heard a brief update on the construction of the new Blanding Elementary school, with staff reporting progress is continuing as scheduled.
Members of the board also heard a report on the safety upgrades to entryways at four district schools. In particular the board heard from staff about the complexities of the safety upgrade at San Juan High. The challenges of changing office spaces and the computer rooms around inspired newly hired district building and grounds supervisor Steve Francom to suggest the secure entrance to be added on to the existing building. The proposal would add about 3,000 square feet to the east side of the building by the entrance nearest to the auditorium, freeing up the interior offices for additional school space needs. It was also noted that adding on the entrance would allow for construction to occur without disrupting school. Staff also shared that rough estimations are the project would cost close to the same as the projections for remodeling the school at the entrance.
Members of the board also held the annual impact aid hearing at January 22 meeting. The meeting was held at Monument Valley High School to have the hearing on the Navajo Nation. Impact aid is federal funding for districts with tax-exempt federal land and makes up a key part of the district’s budget. The district receives around $9 million annually for the impact aid program, with funds used for general operations, capital projects and building reserves to serve all students in the district.
As part of the hearing the board reviewed the Native American policy and procedures manual, with the board confirming tribal council delegates signed off on the application. The board also emphasized the need to continue to improve communications with community members and tribal officials about how funds are allocated.
Members of the board approved the district application for impact aid, as well as the annual Native American Policy and Procedures Document as part of the meeting.
At the meeting members of the board also approved an easement agreement with Utah State University Blanding regarding the new Monument Valley building to be built on district property. USU staff explained the agreement is needed to satisfy a requirement by Wells Fargo, a major funder for the project, due to complications in obtaining an easement from the Navajo Nation or Bureau of Indian Affairs. The board approved an “on paper” easement which will satisfy the requirements to keep the project moving forward.
Members of the board also approved a letter of support for the proposed road connecting Navajo Mountain to Oljato. The letter notes the road would benefit the district and the entire community to cut travel time to the school.
Members of the board also received reports on the Indian Education Committee from Johnson O’Malley Coordinator Brenda Whitehorse. Whitehorse and other committee members reported on the committee’s work supporting heritage, culture and language programs across 11 schools in the district. Among their efforts include community and student activities and heritage language programs.
At the meeting board members also received a report on the district’s career and technical education programs. Program Director Jenna Grover noted the program has seen increases in CTE concurrent enrollment classes, and increased internship opportunities.
Among the highlights were growth in FBLA, FCCLA, and SkillsUSA club participation in the district.
Members of the board also approved two-year contracts for district Superintendent Christine Fitzgerald as well as District Business Administrator Tyrel Pemberton, with an option to re-negotiate in July. The motion included the July option as a way for the board to perform ‘due-diligence’, board members also expressed their appreciation of the superintendent and business administrator’s work.
Members of the board also recognized Clark Holliday of Tse’Bii’Nidzisgai Elementary and Teri James of Monument Valley High with San Juan Sweet Job awards.