WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick today announced that the Department of Education will be providing $4,696,044 in Impact Aid grants to 17 school systems serving the Navajo Nation. The funds are part of more than $7 million that the Department is releasing through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help repair and modernize underfunded schools in Arizona.

Among the school districts that will benefit are Chinle Unified School District #24, which will receive $1,085,435, and Window Rock Unified School District #8, which will receive $744,527. Kayenta Unified School District #27, Tuba City Unified School District #15 and Ganado Unified School District #20 will all also be able to take advantage of more than half a million dollars to increase access to modern technology and reduce overcrowding in classrooms.

“Schools in greater Arizona made do with less even when times were good, so it is critical that we make sure they can get the resources they need during these tough times,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “I was not satisfied with every part of the Recovery Act, but this sort of investment in our human infrastructure is exactly what I had in mind when I supported the bill. The new funding reaffirms our commitment to our children, our schools and our future.”

“My mother was a schoolteacher on tribal lands, and I saw how hard she worked to give her students the best education possible. These grants will help teachers like her provide the kids in their classes with the same opportunities kids have around the country and the rest of Arizona,” continued Rep. Kirkpatrick.