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Navajo Prep trustees hear reports on 2025 progress, audit and legislative outreach
Summary
School leaders presented 2025 department highlights, an audit status update (audit due by March 30), staffing changes, and preparations for the 2026 New Mexico legislative session; Student Senate and board member community activities were also reported.
Administrators and trustees at Navajo Preparatory School reviewed departmental highlights for 2025, an audit timeline, staffing changes and outreach plans for the 2026 New Mexico legislative session during the Jan. 16 board meeting.
Navajo language teacher Dustin Begay and College Success teacher Sam Bader presented takeaways from the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education and told trustees the conference offered lessons the school could adapt. President Dr. Bernadette Todacheene said opportunities like that allow Navajo Prep to learn from other institutions globally and identify areas for growth.
The administrative team summarized 2025 strategic goals, campus development, testing performance, facility improvements, compliance measures and student supports. Division Director Manuel Watchman told the board the annual audit will be completed ahead of the posted deadline of March 30, 2026. Human Resource Manager Jocelyn Jones reviewed recent resignations and new hires.
Head of School Shawna A. Becenti and Associate Head of School for Advancement & Outreach Dr. Darah Tabrum reviewed a one-pager, talking points and a schedule for planned travel to the New Mexico Legislative Session in Santa Fe, and trustees expressed appreciation for support from the San Juan delegation and State of New Mexico leadership.
Ad-Hoc Member Bradley Redhouse updated the board on Student Senate professional development and service initiatives. Trustees also reported on recent community engagement: Ernestine Begay helped organize a Christmas giveaway in Blue Gap and Charley Long, Sr. attended a chapter meeting where New Mexico Representative Michelle Abeyta discussed funding opportunities.
The meeting recessed at 3:58 PM and resumed at 4:08 PM. The board adjourned at 5:12 PM and will meet again on Feb. 20, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Navajo Preparatory School.
