Education
Judge: Martin ignored law in Navajo school dispute


Top Bureau of Indian Affairs official Aurene Martin ignored the law when she authorized a takeover of a Navajo Nation school, a Department of Interior judge has ruled.

In a March 18 decision, the Office of Hearing and Appeals said that Martin did not follow the Tribally Controlled Schools Act or the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act by taking control of the Kayenta Community School. OHA administrative law judge Andrew S. Pearlstein said the BIA should reverse Martin's action "as soon as practicable."

The school was under the control of the Kayenta Community School Board. But due to community complaints, Navajo Nation council delegates placed the school under the authority of the Shiprock Alternative Schools, Inc.

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. and his aides said the move was illegal. So Martin had the BIA resume control of the school last September.

Get the Story:
BIA to take back Kayenta school (The Gallup Independent 3/20)

Relevant Links:
Kayenta Community School - http://www.kcs.bia.edu

Related Stories:
BIA says Navajo Nation ceded control of school (10/01)