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Board reviews Indian policy draft, asks how tribal consultations and notices will be conducted
Summary
Trustee Priscilla Benali pressed district staff on the Draft Indian Policy & Procedure (IPP), asking who will run annual public hearings, whether the Gallup Sun can be used for notices, whether chapter presidents received mailed materials and whether trustees can attend tribal consultations.
During consent-agenda review the board discussed the district Draft Indian Policy & Procedure (IPP), item 4c on the consent list. Board Member Priscilla Benali said she heard concerns at Johnson O—Malley meetings about conflicts among tribes and asked for clarification on the IPP's procedures and outreach. "Who will be conducting these annual public hearings, and do we have dates set up at this time?" she asked.
District staff responded that tribal consultations and public hearings are typically scheduled to coincide with parent-teacher conference days and handled by the relevant departments (Title I, special education, cultural education) who meet parents as they come to school. Staff said the IPP materials are normally distributed during those events and that chapter presidents of the Navajo Nation will be mailed materials; they noted this year's mailing had not yet occurred because the policy was not yet final.
Benali also requested that the district consider publishing notices in the Gallup Sun rather than the previously used outlets; staff responded affirmatively to that request. She asked that the board be invited to fall and spring tribal consultation meetings when practicable so trustees can observe and support outreach.
The IPP language discussed included procedures for preparing evaluation summaries, disseminating program reports at least one week in advance of hearings, and conducting two tribal consultations annually (fall and spring) unless attendance problems require additional sessions. The board approved the consent agenda (which included the IPP item) by roll call vote after the discussion; staff said they will circulate finalized participation data and confirmation of outreach steps once the IPP is implemented.
No formal change to the IPP text was made on the floor; trustees requested staff follow up on scheduling, notification channels and documentation of chapter responses.
