News from Neighbors

Haxtun Schools prepares for preschool expansion; over half of funds secured

HAXTUN-FLEMING HERALD, May 26 — At the May 18 meeting of the Haxtun School Board, board members approved the pursuit of a $450,000 project to expand the two existing preschool rooms at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year. The project has received just over $252,000 in grant funds thus far.

Plans are to extend the two existing preschool rooms west toward the preschool playground to even the building at the back of the kitchen. Doing so will double classroom sizes and allow for more space as required by state agencies regulating Colorado’s preschools. The renovation will also allow for reconfiguration of the bathrooms and include office space for staff members.

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Native American group says it will file lawsuit if passes

YUMA PIONEER, May 27 — A Native American organization has stated its intent to sue the state of Colorado if the Colorado Legislature passes Senate Bill 116.

Senate Bill 116 requires any public school with an Indian mascot to end its use by June 1, 2022, or face a $25,000 per month fine.

The bill grants exceptions to schools that have agreements with Native American tribes that existed prior to June 30, 2021.

It passed the House Eduction Committee last week, and now will go before the full House for debate. It already has passed the Colorado Senate. The 2021 session will close soon after Memorial Day, so the Legislature will have to move quickly if it wants to pass the bill and get it signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis.

If that does come to pass, the Native American Guardian’s Association has stated it plans to take that decision to court, based on the violation of certain Constitutional Amendment rights.

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