The Cherokee have done more for education than Liz Warren has.
Via News OK:
One hundred and eight northeast Oklahoma school districts received an infusion of much-needed cash from the Cherokee Nation on Friday.
The tribe allocates 38 percent of its annual car tag revenue — about $5.4 million this year — to public education, spreading the funds out across 14 northeast Oklahoma counties.
“Year after year, the dollars from the tribe’s car tag compact serve as a lifeline to local school districts that are struggling financially to meet the educational needs of our youth,” said Bill John Baker, the tribe’s principal chief.
(Story continued below…)Baker announced the totals during a luncheon at the tribe’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa. Superintendents from the area received checks at the event. Districts will have full discretion to spend the money as they see fit.
Tulsa Public Schools received $77,781 and plans to spend it on classroom supplies, school equipment, tutoring and field trips. In a news release, Superintendent Deborah Gist said the Cherokee funds are of increased importance following state budget cuts.
“Decades of chronic underinvestment in education and state funding cuts continue to be a significant challenge for our district and others across the state,” she said.
Briggs Public Schools in Cherokee County received $44,648 to support cooperative learning, reading and math courses, and tutoring, Superintendent Stephen Haynes said in a news release.
“The funds are very much appreciated and not taken for granted,” he said. “It is a choice that has been made by the Cherokee Nation and a choice that cannot be overlooked for the leadership, importance and example that it sets for others.”