Principals report progress and challenges at Eva B. Stokely, Nizhoni, Sabatai Middle and Mesa Elementary

Multiple principals presented school updates focusing on student achievement trends, attendance and school culture.

Eva B. Stokely: Principal Jeannie Lewis summarized initial steps she took after arriving at Eva B. Stokely to address staff culture, implementing weekly team building, a 90‑day plan and measurable SMART goals for ELA, math, culture and attendance. Lewis said staff identified earlier toxicity among adults and used SWOT analysis and structured meetings to rebuild collegiality. She reported assessment progress with mixed midyear results: third‑grade reading showed reduced numbers needing support from the start of year to midyear; math showed notable improvements in some grades. Lewis said the school is working to align Navajo and English curricula and noted gaps in Navajo assessment tools to track growth.

Nizhoni Elementary: Principal Charlene Rivers said her school’s enrollment is 220 with 21 certified teachers and that the school was removed from the state’s CSI list and is now a traditional school. Rivers described improved kindergarten through second‑grade gains reflected in AIMsA (district formative) data, a successful three‑week perfect attendance celebration that increased participation (from 12 perfect‑attendance students in quarter one to 105 as of the March check), and expanded family engagement nights. She said third‑through‑fifth grades still need additional math support.

Sabatai Middle School: Principal Dr. Pandora Mike said the school added pre‑AP courses (pre‑AP chemistry and English) and reported several academic and extracurricular gains: improved assessment trend lines in reading and math, athletics championships, expanded tutoring and intervention programs, and whole‑child supports including school‑based health and counseling partnerships. She noted continued challenges with student vaping and said the school uses vaping detectors, counseling and restorative practices with parent cooperation.

Mesa Elementary: Principal Gina Jones reported that Mesa is fully staffed for the first time in several years and has improved attendance (average about 90.2%), increased family engagement and school climate gains through capturing kids’ hearts and social contracts. She described year‑to‑date learning gains in kindergarten through fourth grade for reading and math and noted creation of a high‑needs classroom to better serve students with significant special education needs.

Board members praised leadership work and asked questions about curriculum alignment, pacing and supports for math and language acquisition. Several board members recommended continuing to use professional learning communities, vertical grade alignment and district coaching support; principals cited ongoing work with district coaches and PLCs. The transcript records presentations and questions but no separate board votes tied to the update presentations.