Tribal School Ousts Some Students Over Funding Gap

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — Roughly 76 kids are unable to attend a tribal school that has stopped enrolling students who are not registered with a tribe.

The News Tribune reports that the Puyallup Tribe of Indians operates Chief Leschi Schools for kids in preschool through high school.

Superintendent Amy Eveskcige says the board decided on stricter enrollment standards after it was discovered that students without tribal registration left a $930,000 gap in school funding that had to be made up with other sources.

The federal Bureau of Indian Education kicks in about $5,000 for each registered tribe member enrolled.

Eveskcige says the schools have to be able to pay bills and put Puyallup Tribe kids first.

Notices were sent in late August.

At least one parent plans to appeal.

Classes start Thursday.