"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN Contributes Millions to Public Schools

***"Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith speaks during the tribes 2008 Education Summit in Tahlequah, Oklahoma."***

TAHLEQUAH, OK - The tribe provided more than $2.8 million to schools in the tribe’s 14-county jurisdiction in northeastern Oklahoma. Each year, the Cherokee Nation gives 38 percent of the revenue generated from car tag sales back to the schools.

Nearly 100 school districts in northeastern Oklahoma received a total of more than $2.8 million dollars from the Cherokee Nation. Over a period of five years, Cherokee Nation has contributed more than $13 million dollars to school districts. Best of all, the money from this partnership between Cherokee Nation and local schools can be utilized however the schools see fit.

These schools are located within the tribe’s 14-county jurisdictional area. They received their checks on Friday, February 29, at an education summit held at The Place Where They Play multi-purpose center at Sequoyah Schools, in Tahlequah.

“Education remains a challenge in Oklahoma,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We are determined to be partners in building the best possible education system, and this is one way we can do that.”

The funds distributed were generated from the sale of Cherokee Nation car tags over the past year. Cherokee Nation law governs that the tribe gives school districts within its jurisdiction 38 percent of the revenues generated by the sale of car tags. This year’s contribution exceeds the previous year’s donation by more than $100,000.

“During 2007, distributions of motor vehicle revenue to qualifying school districts increased by $138,639.00,” said Sharon Swepston, Cherokee Nation Tax Administrator. “The main reason for this growth is the continued savings that tribal citizens receive when they purchase a tag from the Cherokee Nation. In addition, a large percentage of this revenue is also distributed back into the communities through roads and law enforcement as well as to qualifying school districts. I think that community members realize what a terrific benefit this is to their area. The Cherokee Nation now has three additional locations to the main complex office in Tahlequah so that it is more convenient for citizens of outlying areas to purchase a tag. Tag Offices are located in Tahlequah, Gore, Adair and Collinsville.”

“Schools can use the funds provided as they deem most appropriate, school administrators along with teachers know their needs better than we do,” said Smith. “The Cherokee Nation understands and appreciates the importance of education and we are dedicated to helping our young people attain the highest level of education possible.”

Education funding is distributed based on the number of Cherokee children enrolled in the school. This year, the tribe is disbursing $2,816,733.44 to eligible schools throughout northeastern Oklahoma.