The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments on Tuesday in a dispute over public school fees allegedly owed by the Catawba Nation.

A 1993 Congressional settlement act requires the tribe to pay fees to the public school for educating tribal children who live on the reservation. But the tribe and the Rock Hill school district disagree over how much is owed.

The district claims the tribe owes more than $1 million dating back to 1999. The tribe says the amount has been improperly calculated, and that personal and business taxes paid by tribal members should be taken into account.

Get the Story:
S.C. high court hears tribal fee lawsuit (The Rock Hill Herald 3/8)
Catawbas, school district dispute how much money is owed (AP 3/7)

Settlement Act Court Decision:
Catawba Nation v. South Carolina (December 13, 2005)

Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act:
Public Law No: 103-116

Relevant Links:
Catawba Cultural Preservation Project - http://www.ccppcrafts.com

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