Education

School Board approves 4.3-percent COLA, approves research project

Members of the San Juan School Board approved a cost of living adjustment for district staff, approved a funded research project by the CDC and discussed the budget for the upcoming fiscal year at their latest meeting. At the May 12 meeting members of the school board approved a 4.3-percent cost of...

Nine local students graduate from UTU

Nine students with local ties are among the 3,078 students who recently graduated from Utah Tech University. “I am incredibly proud of Utah Tech University’s Class of 2026,” President Shane B. Smeed said. “I am confident that as Utah Tech’s newest alumni, our Trailblazers will take their next steps...

San Juan District High School graduates to receive diplomas

More than 200 diplomas will be presented to graduates from area high schools in the coming week as another school year comes to a close across the sprawling district. Monticello High School graduation will take place Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The Class of 2025 Valedictorian is...

Renowned educator to host evening event and visit Monticello Elementary School

by Sally Jack Staff writer Emotional intelligence, well-being, and building stronger connections in our families and community will be the topic of discussion at a community night hosted by Monticello Elementary School on Monday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hideout in Monticello. Guest speaker Marc...

USU Monument Valley dedicated

by David Boyle News Director Community members, educators, leaders and donors all gathered on April 22 for a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for the new Utah State University building in Monument Valley. The event celebrated the completion of the new educational 10,000 square foot...

School District addresses new and old schools

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board approved advertising for bids to purchase the old Blanding Elementary building, approved spend plans, and reviewed academic achievement data at their April 7 meeting. The approval to accept bids for the old building comes while the...

San Juan FFA members shine at Convention

Members of the San Juan FFA Chapter recently returned from the 98th annual Utah FFA State Convention, where they represented their school and community with distinction. The convention, which brings together thousands of students from across the state, serves as the culminating event for...

An aerial view of the Utah State University campus in Blanding. Courtesy photo

Utah State University Blanding Campus offers varied classes While Saving Local History

By Janet Wilcox Contibuting Writer Walter C. Lyman’s vision of Blanding becoming a lighthouse for education evolved and has proven true over the past 100 years. Today, satellite classes are taught in Blanding but are also broadcast to Monument Valley, Cortez and Monticello. There are 30 campuses...

Monticello High Drama wins state title

The Monticello high school theater team won the 2026 1A state drama competition on March 28. The Buckaroos won a host of awards to compile enough points to also walk away with the team championship at the state meet. Coach Paige Freestone recognized it was a long climb to the top of the mountain. “...

Two new construction projects approved by San Juan School Board

by David Boyle News Director Members of the San Juan School Board approved a $4.7 million contract with Tri-Hurst Construction for upgrades at Monticello High and Albert R Lyman (ARL) Middle schools at their March 10 meeting. The contract was awarded as the low bid and are mostly aimed at safety...