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Navajo Preparatory School trustees approve Native language VR immersion proposal and oppose state funding cut
Summary
On Sept. 20, 2024 the Navajo Preparatory School Board approved five resolutions including a Bureau of Indian Education Native American Language immersion project using VR and documentary media, and passed a resolution disagreeing with the state’s discontinuation of Indian Education Division funds.
On Sept. 20, 2024, the Navajo Preparatory School Board of Trustees approved five resolutions that include a proposed Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Native American Language immersion opportunity that would use virtual reality and a documentary series to give students curated access to sacred sites.
Shawna A. Becenti, Head of School, reviewed the set of resolutions and turned the presentation of the language-immersion proposal over to Brent Garcia, Visual Arts Teacher, and Kevin Belin, Director of the Diné Bizaad Institute. Dr. Darah Tabrum, Associate Head of School for Advancement and Outreach, told the board that Navajo Preparatory School was selected for the third time to receive the Native American Language grant and that the school has been identified as a resource to support other grantees.
The proposal described by Garcia and Belin would combine virtual reality and documentary media to allow students to experience sacred sites they may otherwise be unable to visit; the presentation included an outline of project goals and an initial implementation framework. Dr. Tabrum summarized the proposed funding sources and said the school’s Advancement team has coordinated with funders to support the work.
Also before the board were related resolutions: a budget adjustment tied to Johnson O’Malley funding reviewed by Manuel Watchman, Division Director of Business and Human Services; a resolution formally stating the school’s disagreement with the New Mexico Public Education Department’s discontinuation of Indian Education Division funds; approval of Navajo Preparatory School’s BIE narratives; and proposed Personnel Handbook amendments correcting contract numbers and holiday dates.
The board voted to approve Items A–E as a package. The motion to approve was made by Anderson Yazzie Jr. and seconded by Craig Lee Sandoval. Vote: 4-0-0.
Kevin Belin said he will provide a more detailed implementation schedule and framework for the guiding principles at the Winter Work Session. The resolutions approved give school leadership direction to proceed with planning and grant-related documentation.
