The new school superintendent for the Lummi Nation of Washington has some big changes in store.

Larry Byers, a member of the Cherokee Nation, hopes to increase the Lummi Nation School's attendance and graduation rate. He had success at Chemawa Indian School, a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school in Oregon, where more students stayed in class after moving to a new calendar and where 86 of 95 seniors graduated last year.

Byers was at Chemawa when 16-year-old Cindy Gilbert Sohappy died while under the supervision of employees. He says he will institute a no-toleranance policy on alcohol and drugs.

The tribe is planning to open a boarding school of its own. The Lummi Academy will house students who attend the Lummi school.

Get the Story:
New Lummi school leader plans changes (The Bellingham Herald 8/25)

Relevant Links:
Lummi Nation - http://www.lummi-nsn.org

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