A group seeking to support indigenous communities in Idaho spoke out Tuesday about the “reprehensible … firing” of Johanna Jones, the longtime coordinator of the state’s Indian Education program.
After more than a decade as the state’s Indian education coordinator, Johanna Jones is no longer employed by the Idaho Department of Education, EdNews confirmed Thursday. According to Transparent Idaho, Jones left the position on June 13.
[Editor’s Note: This article was first published byIdaho Education News. Used with permission. All rights reserved.]
She was one of two state employees working at Indian Education. The other is Patty Sanchez, who is listed as academic affairs program manager for the State Board of Education.
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“We feel this is a targeted shaming of a renowned educator,” a press release from the Indigenous Idaho Alliance reads. “It does not bode well that at a time when programs that not only serve Native Americans/indigenous people in education, but also bridge the cultural education gap with other Idaho communities, are under attack … that the (IDE) has moved to replace one of the most respected and staunch advocates for Native Americans in education in the state of Idaho.”
Scott Graf, IDE’s communications director, said state leaders decided to elevate Jones’ former coordinator position to a director position, which will entail an “expansion of duties and responsibilities.” The change is “a direct result of (Superintendent Debbie Critchfield’s) interactions with tribes over the past 18 months and the desire to better serve their educational needs,” Graf wrote in an email to EdNews.
The director position was advertised this spring and candidates were interviewed. “Ultimately, the process did not result in a successful appointment,” Graf wrote. “The position has been re-advertised and we are actively seeking candidates.”
When no hires were made after the initial search, state officials, stakeholders and tribal community members collectively decided to cancel the annual Indian Education Summit, which had been scheduled for early August, Graf wrote. The summit aims to “provide educators with knowledge they can use in the classroom to help Native American students achieve academic success.”
In the press release criticizing Jones’ dismissal, the Alliance also announced it was severing its partnership with the top leadership.
“We remain hopeful for the future of Indian education in Idaho,” the press release said. “We also honor the valuable contributions and dedication of the former Indian Education Coordinator, and will continue to prioritize and center the voices of tribes and native communities.”
When — or if — the summit will be rescheduled will depend on “the timeline on which the director of Indian education is hired,” Graf said, adding that the department plans to continue hosting the event in the coming years.
Greg Wilson, Critchfield’s chief of staff, will serve as interim director of Indian Education until the position is filled.
The IDE has reached out to tribes for help with the search, and is also considering “adding a second Indian education position to our department,” but that would require legislative approval, Graf said.
The reorganization of the state’s Department of Indian Education and programming comes after data showed alarming achievement gaps between the state’s tribal youth and the general population. Tribal education leaders also called on the state to do more to support Native American students.
EdNews reached out to education leaders or spokespeople for the Nez Perce, Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone-Bannock tribes for comment Thursday morning, but had not heard back by Thursday evening. We will update this story if comment is received.
Idaho is home to five federally recognized tribes, including the Shoshone-Paiute and the Kootenai.
About the Author: “Levi \”Calm Before the Storm\” Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded the Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print category\/ online by the Native American Journalists Association. He is a member of the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net.
Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
