Tribal leaders warn federal changes could affect Native schools
Education advocates say staffing shortages and policy changes could disrupt progress at Bureau of Indian Education schools
The Bureau of Indian Education has reported its highest rate of on-time high school graduations, but tribal leaders and education advocates say recent federal changes could affect continued progress, according to reporting by The Associated Press. The reporting highlights improvements at tribally controlled schools, including Chief Leschi Schools, where the four-year graduation rate increased from 53% in 2019 to 87% in 2025, and Choctaw Central High School, where administrators said a virtual learning option contributed to graduation rates rising from about 70% to 93%.
Tribal leaders also raised concerns about staffing shortages, aging facilities and changes affecting the Bureau of Indian Education. Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek said the BIE-operated high school serving his community remains understaffed and in need of repairs.
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