WINDOW ROCK, N.M. — The Navajo Diné Department of Education (DODE) partnered with Central Unified School District, Kayenta School District, Navajo Police Department, first responders, community leaders, educational leaders and stakeholders to host the first Navajo School Safety and Mental Health Wellness Summit June 29-30.

Attendees converged at the Phil Thomas Performing Arts Center and Shiprock High School in Shiprock, New Mexico for a two-day summit that included panel discussions by safety leaders and elected officials on topics that affect the safety of Navajo students on a daily basis.

“We have gathered our leadership to discuss two important themes: safety and health. We are here to provide information, solutions and solutions.

the need for a summit

The Navajo School Health and Safety Task Force was established following a security incident in the Kayenta School District in April. On April 3, a suspect was arrested following a social media threat at Newcome High School in Newcome, New Mexico.

The suspect was transferred to the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock for arrest, then to the Navajo Correctional Facility in Kayenta, Arizona, before being released to the community on April 4. The suspect then enrolled at Kayenta High School before being arrested again.

After the incident came to the attention of Dr. Clark, Navajo President Boo Nigren, Navajo Vice President Richelle Montoya, and Navajo Council Representative Shandin Parrish, DODE leaders, various Navajo stakeholders, and community leaders held a series of meetings to provide insights and recommendations on how to improve school safety to better protect Navajo students and teachers.

“A security incident like this is not about if it will happen, but when.

Panel discussion, training

The summit began on June 29 with a panel of electoral and education stakeholders including Vice President Montoya, Indian Department of Education Deputy Assistant Director Linnan Yazi, and New Mexico Public Education Board Commissioner Sharon Krahashiciliaji.

Law enforcement leaders hosted safety training committees. Speakers included Dr. Kirk He of Carpenter Consulting, Donnie He Key Commander of the Navajo Tribal Police, and Grant He Banash of POMS & Associates, responsible for safety and risk management.

Panel speakers highlighting the safety issues and needs of Navajo schools included DODE Headstart Deputy Superintendent Roy Tracy; Gallup McKinley County School Superintendent Mike Hyatt; Dr. Bigay was on stage. , Kirk Carpenter, and several Navajo Prep students.

The 30 June session included individual breakout sessions covering nine key areas for immediate action, policy change, financial support and cooperation.