When Congress enacted the across-the board budget cuts known as the sequester in March, they cut $60 million for American Indian schools across the country. Since people living on reservations don't pay state property taxes, the schools heavily depend on federal aid. For the Navajo Nation that means larger class sizes, fewer school buses and putting off building repairs. Navajo children travel up to 70 miles to get to school. Many of them ride small school buses over roads that look like off-road trails for weekend warriors. Orson Brigman drives six miles over sand dunes every day to pick up students. All of the drivers complain of back problems. And you can imagine what those bumps do to the buses, literally shaking the screws lose. Brigman says a bus that should last the district 10 years lasts five. The district is not sure if it will have the money to buy a new one next year.Get the Story:
Navajo Schools Lose Funding Due To Sequestration Cuts (NPR 5/28)
Join the Conversation
