Board OKs Title VI Indian Education grant to fund heritage teachers and wellness services

The Central Consolidated Schools board voted May 18 to approve the district’s application for the federal Title VI Indian Education grant for school year 2026–27, Dr. Belinda Gay told trustees.

Dr. Gay said the award will be used largely for personnel: eight heritage-language teachers at full-time equivalent positions, portions of two ICO administrative staff, professional development for teachers and coaches, and funds for holistic-wellness services and consultants. She said Title VI funding was used this year to cover services that JOM (Johnson-O’Malley) did not fully fund, and that awards fluctuate year to year.

"A big portion of that goes to personnel," Dr. Gay said while walking trustees through the budget breakdown. She noted the grant also supports curriculum work (including a Navajo history curriculum recently developed by district staff), student travel for equity events and targeted direct instructional supplies.

Trustees discussed terminology in federal and state documents and whether grant language should refer to specific tribal identifiers rather than broader labels used by state or federal agencies. The board also asked for a technical citation correction to the Indian Parent Advisory Committee bylaws associated with the grant, which staff agreed to correct.

After discussion, the board approved the Title VI grant application by roll call. Dr. Gay said the grant will continue to support bilingual and culturally relevant instruction, language coaches, and student programs that supplement district services.

What happens next: staff will finalize grant documents, implement funded positions and programs, and report back to the board on use of funds and program outcomes.