The Hopi Tribal Council voted this week to oust Hopi High School's board because of infighting. This comes a month after the board decided not to renew the contracts of 12 teachers and staff.
Over the last few years Hopi High School has become known for its revolving door of administrators and teachers. A former school counselor said no one's contract is safe with the board.
Many blame the school board president, who did not return requests for comment. When absent from a meeting last month, the board chose not to renew his daughter-in-law's contract. When he fought for her, a group of 40 former staff and parents like Toni Mina said enough.
"Playing favoritism and the nepotism, it's got to stop," Mina said. "As a board you're supposed to stick together, you're supposed to have the best interests of the students and of the district."
But Mina said having the school in the hands of the tribal government is no relief. The tribe is so small, she worries about transparency and favoritism with whomever they elect.
The tribe plans to elect an interim school board within 90 days.
