Tribal leaders and state partners told the Elko County School District board on Dec. 1 that a combination of tribal fundraising, industry partnerships and two state bills will complete funding for the Owyhee (Oahe) school project.

Brian Mason, chairman of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, said the effort began as a community push to secure a new school and that legislative action created a path for tribal and private donations to be matched by state accounts. “AB 519 and AB 355 created dedicated accounts — one $25 million reserve for rural Nevada schools and a second $25 million account for schools in non‑native districts,” Mason said, urging the board to accept the tribe’s planned transfer to the district.

Will Adler, who identified himself as a lobbyist working with the tribe, described the mechanics of the bills and how tribal in‑kind contributions and donations will be matched under AB355. “Anything that is in that account, whether it is the initial money or the interest we can raise on it, we should be able to match,” Adler said, explaining that tribal dollars, ARPA funds and other donations could be used to meet the match requirement.

Speakers described a multi‑year, multi‑partner effort. Project manager Jesse Jones, quarry lead William Beck and other tribal representatives outlined logistical support (on‑site aggregate processing and a man‑camp) and the tribe’s plan to hold funds in a money market account until trigger points for payment. Board members asked clarifying questions about the legal and accounting trail; tribe representatives said they will present formal resolution paperwork for the district to document receipt and acceptance.

The presenters said the tribal council had already raised substantial funds and expected state matches to close the previously reported shortfall. Mason referenced earlier litigation around AB519 and said the funding approach was designed to avoid imposing new county taxes: “We’ve prevented taxes on residents, and we’re gonna get the same thing accomplished,” he said.

What happens next: tribe and district staff said they will bring formal documentation and a resolution to the board so the district can accept the funds and create the paper trail auditors require. The board thanked the tribal delegation and asked staff to coordinate follow‑up paperwork and a presentation of the formal check/transfer.

Why it matters: The project will replace a long‑used facility on tribal lands and, by design, the bill framework intends to allow tribal and private match to be paired with limited state reserves. The presentation signaled material progress on construction financing and stressed the partnership model — with one caveat: the board and auditor will need clear legal documentation to meet state and audit requirements before funds are recorded.