Education

The new Blanding Elementary School is set to open with the start of the school year on August 17. Enter your photos in our Photo of the Week contest. We pay $10 for each photo that runs in the San Juan Record. Email your entries to news@sjrnews.com. In addition, you can see more entries into our contest at the San Juan Record website at www.sjrnews.com or on Facebook. Chris Jones photo

Blanding Schools See New Upgrades for 26-27

by Kara Laws Contributing writer All three San Juan School District schools in Blanding have seen major improvements in their buildings this year. Moving into the 2026-2027 school year Blanding Elementary will move into an entirely brand new building, San Juan High will unveil their grand entrance...

An enthusiastic rendition of the national anthem was offered at the August 4 ribbon cutting at Blanding Elementary School. The singers, all students at the school, include Autumn, Ava, Mackly, Slaiter, Kolter, Harlyn, Stetson, Jovi, Lilith, Saylor, Dani, and Dawn. Later, Rossi, Abel, Talisha and Zariah recited the Pledge of Allegiance in Navajo. It wa sall a part of the opening of the new school. Staff photo

Ribbon cut on August 4 for new Blanding Elementary School

Blanding cut the ribbon on a beautiful new elementary school on August 4. Students, parents, community members, and educators gathered to celebrate the opening of the largest school – by enrollment – in the San Juan School District. With a snip of a ribbon by students Carter Kalakis and Axyl...

Utah State University Blanding will host the third annual Weaving Our Stories Conference September 17-18. The conference will bring together a large group of people and organizations to explore how stories, culture, relationships, and shared experiences strengthen communities and help shape the future. Courtesy photo

USU Blanding to host conference

Utah State University Blanding will host the third annual Weaving Our Stories Conference in September. The two-day conference will incorporate the theme “Honoring the Past, Creating What Comes Next” throughout the presentations and activities. The conference will be September 17-18 at the Blanding...

School district to open new school in Blanding

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board made plans to celebrate the opening of a new school, approved the budget and discussed board member compensation at their latest meeting. The San Juan School District is set to celebrate the opening of the new Blanding Elementary...

Recent graduates of Utah State University who participated in a DRUMM Teacher Workshop and Cultural Exchange in April. The program is part of a multi-year effort to assist teachers and students with mathematical modeling. Courtesy photo

USU Blanding hosts science/math workshop

by Marcus Jensen Utah State University Blanding hosted the DRUMM Teacher Workshop and Cultural Exchange on April 10-11, bringing together educators, students and community presenters for two days focused on mathematical modeling, cultural learning and collaboration. DRUMM, which stands for “Data-...

Ken Guan will become the new Associate Vice President at the USU Campus in Blanding on July 1. Courtesy photo

Ken Guan named the new Associate Vice President at the USU Campus in Blanding

Utah State University has announced Ken Guan will become associate vice president for the Blanding campus. Guan will start at USU Blanding on July 1, 2026. Guan has worked in higher ed for more than 20 years, including roles at Indiana University, Kansas State University, University of Vermont,...

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Kyle Begay San Juan Soccer

Kyle Begay – San Juan High School Soccer Head Coach Jay Jones: “Kyle is an amazing student and athlete. He led the San Juan boys soccer team this season as a Captain and he has also excelled in his academics every season that we’ve had him. “Kyle is a dedicated teammate and he is also dedicated to...

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Jonas Jeppesen San Juan Baseball

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Jonas Jeppesen San Juan Baseball Head Coach Jens Nielson: “Jonas is an outstanding individual. He is kind, hard-working, intelligent, and just a good person. Academically he is determined to give his very best. He is humble about his abilities and does well to help...

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Stetson Black San Juan San Juan Track & Field

Coach Andrea Nielson: “Stetson Black has been a dedicated four-year member of our track program, competing in both throwing and running events throughout his career. He has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help others both on and off the field. “...

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Rosalie Kartchner San Juan Golf

Academic All State 2026 Spring: Rosalie Kartchner San Juan Golf Coach Kim Baker: “Rosalie Kartchner is exceptional. She is a student and athlete who has integrity on and off the course. Along with being on the girls golf team this spring she competed in Sterling Scholar where she was a runner-up...