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Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent

Diné education funding to continue
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation’s Johnson-O’Malley program found out that funding for JOM was included with a continuing resolution, Public Law 110-329, during the annual JOM conference in November.

The JOM program was not initially included in the continuing resolution and was in danger of being eliminated in fiscal year 2009, according to the Department of Diné Education quarterly report.

The Navajo Nation JOM program was involved with numerous teleconferences held during the first quarter of FY 2009 on the possible elimination of JOM.

Locally, JOM representatives from the tribe and Aztec Middle School and a Bureau of Indian Education specialist conducted a monitoring visit to the school in December. A monitoring visit to Window Rock Unified School District was planned to be rescheduled.

In another incident, the JOM assisted a parent and daughter from Gallup McKinley County Schools.

According to the Department of Diné Education quarterly report, the distraught parent said her daughter was put on permanent suspension by a school hearing officer without notifying her or having her present.

The JOM education specialist told the parent that a permanent suspension from school doesn’t exist. After JOM followed up on the status of the student, the education specialist found that proper procedures weren’t followed. The student is currently enrolled at GMCS, the Department of Diné Education quarterly report stated.

Johnson-O’Malley was created in 1934 and is the oldest federal program that meets the specialized needs of Indian students, according to the National Johnson-O’Malley Association.

Milan trustees to hold monthly meeting
Cibola County Bureau

MILAN — The Milan Board of Trustees will meet for its regular monthly meeting Thursday.

The ruling body of the village convenes on the third Thursday each month to hear citizens’ comments, discuss and act on village business and approve recommendations from the village planning and zoning commission.

All regular business meetings are open to the public and meet in the board room, Village Hall, 623 Uranium Ave., Milan. Agendas may be picked up Wednesday and Thursday at Village Hall.

Information: Village of Milan (505) 285-6694.

Chapter meetings on tap this week
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Round Rock has a chapter meeting at 1 p.m., Wednesday, according to the chapter’s official Web site.

Ramah has a chapter meeting beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.

Mexican Springs has its chapter meeting at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

Shiprock is holding a business meeting at 10 a.m. on Sunday, according to the chapter’s Web site.
Churchrock has a livestock owners meeting at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Becenti has a veteran’s office meeting at 9 a.m., followed by a regular chapter meeting at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The community-based land use planning committee for Becenti will meet Monday at 3 p.m.