School Board approves impact aid application

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the San Juan School Board met in Montezuma Creek for their January board of education meeting which included support for a youth focus group, approve federal impact aid funding and accompanying public hearing as well as the approval of the fee schedule for next school year.
At their January 20 meeting, members of the San Juan School board approved a letter to the Navajo Nation Human Research Review Board.
The board reviews proposals for studies on the Navajo Nation, members of the school board voted to approve a letter supporting an Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) community health needs assessment regarding substance use and pain. Coupled with the National Institutes of Health. The study would conduct focus groups with about 16 youth aged 12-17. 
In presenting the proposal, Dr. Kelly Taylor noted that the effort is unique as the program is being built in the community, for the community.
“These youth will have participation that will directly shape what the future will look like for research and substance use care in Monizuma Creek, in Blanding, in Bluff. Because these programs are built to stay, this isn’t just a grant to study something, this grant will build something in the community.”
Board members raised questions about the potential for the study to open wounds in youth and families, and gleaned additional information. Participants will receive $100 for a one-time 90 minute effort. It is also noted that mental health professionals will be available on-hand for participants during the focus group. After extensive questions, the board did vote 4 to 1 to approve the letter supporting the study, with board member Lucille Cody voting against.
Members of the board also held a public hearing for Impact Aid. The federal program provides funds in lieu of property taxes for students who live on federal and tribal lands.
The district expects to receive approximately $9.3 million this year. 
District Business Administrator Jacob Swanson shared a proposal to increase an additional $1 million allocation into the general fund, totaling $5.75 million to help with rising teacher salaries and equipment costs.
As part of the public hearing, it was noted a concerning trend with enrollment on tribal lands down by 130 students in the last year alone, a rate that is on a faster decline than the rest of the district.
While it was acknowledged that some of that decline could be attributed to an ebb and flow of moving job opportunities and family situations, district staff acknowledged a need to monitor the data closely.
The required public hearing for the Impact Aid application included a host of topics.
Members of the board heard concerns from community members, with Tiffany Lee critiquing the lack of academic challenge at Whitehorse High. “I don’t feel like they’re being challenged enough,” Little also noted concern about poor communication from staff, as well as the lack of facilities for athletes in river region schools.
Whitehorse High student Kaleigh Chee echoed the concern about the lack of challenge, noting that teaching “here is very different from the way other San Juan school district schools are”.
Members of the board also heard requests for middle school facilities in the river region schools, as well as other improvements including better lighting and paved parking at Whitehorse. Community members also raised concerns about barriers for students learning their native languages.
Following the public hearing, members of the board approved the impact aid application, as well as the required Indian Policies and Procedures for the 2026-2027 school year.
Members of the board also heard a report from the District Heritage Language and Culture Program Director Brenda Whitehorse.
Whitehorse said that students who participate in Navajo Knowledge Bowls often excel academically, noting that connection to heritage builds confidence. 
The district also highlighted their recent receipt of the National JOM Exemplary Award and a $96,000 increase in JOM budget funding following advocacy from tribal leaders.
In capital plans news, Swanson notes that the new Blanding Elementary is nearing completion with gym bleachers finished and a punch list walkthrough expected in March.
The San Juan High and Montezuma Creek Elementary safety entrance improvements are also on track to be finished this Spring.
The meeting also mentioned the impact of Artificial Intelligence related to linguistic sovereignty, with a policy being designed to protect indigenous data and sacred practices from being fed into AI generators.
The school board approved the 2026-2027 Fee Schedule. The key change in the fee schedule is a $6 increase for student lodging to ensure safe and appropriate accommodations, especially during state competitions.
District Superintendent Christine Fitzgerald highlighted the Navigate Prepared system. The school safety app, available to all staff members, provides information for protocols related to lockdowns, evacuations and shelter. The app also helps with real-time student accounting and private chat features for administration and emergency responders during an incident.
In other safety news, District director of student services LT Erickson introduced a visitor management pilot program being run at Whitehorse High and Bluff Elementary. The system requires visitors to scan a drivers license, which is screened against the National Sex Offender Registry.
Erickson noted a benefit of the program allows administration to check immediately who is in the building if there’s an incident at the school.
In other safety news, the board had a first reading of a new policy regarding armed personnel. The update, driven by state mandates, outlines roles for school safety specialists and a ‘guardian’ program which includes training for school staff members who choose to carry concealed weapons on school property. A second reading of the policy will occur to allow for further public input on the policy.
Members of the board received a report from Dr. Lisa Boyce on the Utah State University Summer STEM camps. Funded by a preschool development grant, the summer programs offered children ages 3 to 5 with programs aimed at developing skills, including working memory and cognitive flexibility with real-world scenarios. Program success in south county communities leads it to being modeled for other districts.