# PUEBLO OF ACOMA LAWS 2003 (2025 Replacement)

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## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

PUEBLO OF ACOMA LAWS 2003 (2025 Replacement)

TITLE 21
EDUCATION

This Replacement includes laws enacted since the Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003
pursuant to Tribal Council Resolutions dated January 1, 2019 through December 31,
2024.

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21- A

PUEBLO OF ACOMA LAWS 2003 (2025 Replacement)

TITLE 21
EDUCATION

These laws may be cited by Title, Chapter, Section and Year as Section or
§__-__-__ Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21- B

PUEBLO OF ACOMA LAWS 2003 (2025 Replacement)
TITLE 21
EDUCATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter

Page

1.

Title ................................................................................................... 21-1

2.

Acoma Board of Education; Applicability of Act ............................................. 21-1
21-2-1.
Adoption of Title ......................................................................... 21-1
21-2-2
Application of Acoma Pueblo Laws ........................................... 21-1

3.

Purpose ........................................................................................................... 21-2
21-3-1
Intent and Purpose of Act .......................................................... 21-2

4.

Definitions........................................................................................................ 21-2
A.
ABoE or Board ..................................................................................... 21-2
B.
Acoma Pueblo ...................................................................................... 21-2
C.
ADoE or Department ............................................................................ 21-2
D.
Controlled Substance ........................................................................... 21-2
E.
Charter or Chartered Schools ............................................................... 21-3
F.
College ................................................................................................. 21-3
G.
Culture .................................................................................................. 21-3
H.
Curriculum ............................................................................................ 21-3
I.
Executive Director ................................................................................ 21-3
J.
Education Standards ............................................................................ 21-3
K.
Educational Data or Data ..................................................................... 21-3
L.
Education Policies and Programs ........................................................ 21-3
M.
Educators ............................................................................................ 21-3
N.
Government Body of Another Educational Institution ........................... 21-3
O.
Indian Preference ................................................................................. 21-4
P.
Local Schools ....................................................................................... 21-4
Q.
Other Educational Institution ................................................................ 21-4
R.
Parent ................................................................................................... 21-4
S.
Parenting and Family Life ..................................................................... 21-4
T.
Policies and Procedures regarding school governance ....................... 21-4
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21- i

U.
V.
W.
X.

School ................................................................................................... 21-4
School Board ........................................................................................ 21-4
State or State Government ................................................................... 21-4
Student ................................................................................................. 21-4

5.

Acoma Board of Education and Acoma Department of Education ................. 21-5
21-5-1.
Creation of Acoma Board of Education ..................................... 21-5
21-5-2.
Power and Duties of the Acoma Board of Education................. 21-5
21-5-3.
Organization and Authority ........................................................ 21-5

6.

Acoma Department of Education Executive Director ...................................... 21-8
21-6-1.
Executive Director Selection, Qualifications and Vacancies...... 21-8
21-6-2.
Executive Director Authority and Responsibility ........................ 21-9

7.

School Boards ............................................................................................... 21-12
21-7-1.
Appointment and Removal Authority ....................................... 21-12
21-7-2.
School Boards to Cooperate with ADoE .................................. 21-12
21-7-3.
School Boards to Provide Policies and Procedures to ADoE .. 21-12
21-7-4 .
School Boards to Include ADoE in Established Processes for
Reviewing Curriculum, Education Standards, Educational Policies
and Programs .......................................................................... 21-12
21-7-5.
Incorporation of Tribal Curriculum ........................................... 21-13
21-7-6.
Meeting Tribal Education Standards ........................................ 21-13
21-7-7.
Tribal Education Programs to be Provided .............................. 21-13

8.

Curriculum and Education Standards ........................................................... 21-13
21-8-1.
Procedures for Developing Tribal Curriculum .......................... 21-13

9.

Education Policies and Procedures .............................................................. 21-13
21-9-1.
Alcohol, Nicotine or Tobacco, and Drug Abuse Education ...... 21-13

10.

Truancy/Attendance ...................................................................................... 21-16
21-10-1.
Compliance with Title 6, Pueblo of Acoma Laws (2003) as amended
................................................................................................. 21-16

11.

Parental and Community Involvement .......................................................... 21-16
21-11-1
ADoE To Include Parents and Community Members in
Implementation and Refinement of this Act ............................. 21-16
21-11-2
ADoE to Provide Annual In-Service Training for Parents and
Community ............................................................................... 21-16
21-11-3
Parental and Community Involvement ..................................... 21-17
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21-11-4
21-11-5
21-11-6

Annual Reporting on Parental and Community Involvement ... 21-17
ADoE to Evaluate Compliance by Local Schools and Other
Educational Institutions With Provisions for Parental and Community
Involvement ............................................................................. 21-18
Relationship of Parental and Community Involvement to Parenting
and Family Life Curriculum ...................................................... 21-18

12.

Educators ...................................................................................................... 21-18
21-12-1.
Qualifications ........................................................................... 21-18
21-12-2.
Acoma Language and Cultural Certification ............................ 21-18
21-12-3.
Training .................................................................................... 21-18
21-12-4.
Competency Guidelines and Evaluations ................................ 21-19
21-12-5.
Certification .............................................................................. 21-19
21-12-6.
Hiring and Retention ................................................................ 21-19
21-12-7.
ADoE to Apply Indian Preference ............................................ 21-19

13.

Chartered Educational Programs and Chartered Schools ............................ 21-19
21-13-1
Process .................................................................................... 21-19
21-13-2
Charter Education Programs and Schools Subject to this Act. 21-20
21-13-3
Act Does Not Affect Other Obligations of Chartered Education
Programs and Schools ............................................................ 21-20

14.

Miscellaneous................................................................................................ 21-20
21-14-1.
Construction of Tense Used .................................................... 21-20
21-14-2.
Masculine Gender Inclusive ..................................................... 21-20
21-14-3.
Reference to Code Includes Amendments .............................. 21-20
21-14-4.
Severability .............................................................................. 21-20

REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21- iii

PUEBLO OF ACOMA LAWS 2003 (2025 REPLACEMENT)
TITLE 21
EDUCATION
Origins: Enacted by Tribal Council Resolution No. 2018049 adopted on December 17, 2018.
Annotations: Formatting and numbering/lettering has
been changed from the Tribal Council Resolution No.
2018-049 for the purpose of consistency with Pueblo of
Acoma Laws 2003, as amended.

Chapter 1.

TITLE

This document shall be titled the Education Act of the Pueblo of Acoma (POA), and it may
be cited as Title 21 of Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003.
Chapter 2.

ACOMA BOARD OF EDUCATION; APPLICABILITY OF ACT

21-2-1

Acoma Pueblo, pursuant to inherent authority over formal and cultural
education on Acoma Lands, adopts this Title to govern Acoma schools,
other educational institutions, and chartered educational programs and
chartered schools within the jurisdiction of the Pueblo of Acoma.

21-2-2

Acoma Pueblo laws shall apply to Acoma schools and other educational
institutions to the maximum extent allowable under law.
A.

The Acoma Tribal Council established an Acoma Board of Education
through Tribal Council Resolution No. TC-NOV-07-07-VIa, giving the
Board of Education responsibility to manage and oversee
educational oversight of all tribal education programs. Governor, in
consultation with the Tribal Council and the Acoma Department of
Education, is given the authority to appoint an Acoma Board of
Education (ABoE). The ABoE shall create a Charter to set out its
manner of operation, which must be approved by Tribal Council. The
number of ABoE members and terms of office shall be stated in the
ABoE Charter. The ABoE is empowered to negotiate with federal,
state, and other tribal governments, or their political subdivisions,
any agreements necessary to implement the policies and provisions
of this Act, subject to approval of any agreement by the Tribal
Council, except as provided in Section 21-6-2(A)(9). The ABoE does
not have the authority to waive the sovereign immunity of Acoma
Pueblo.

B.

Other rights and powers not abrogated by authority over formal
education. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize any
abrogation of the rights of the Acoma Pueblo or its members based
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-1

upon federal law, or any diminishment of the trust responsibility of
the federal government, or any duty of the state government or any
political subdivision thereof, including but not limited to the obligation
to provide non-discriminatory public education.
Chapter 3.

PURPOSE

21-3-1

It is the intent and purpose of this Act to:
A.

Preserve, protect, and perpetuate Acoma Pueblo, by providing the
necessary resources to preserve, protect, and perpetuate Acoma’s
resources, both natural resources and human resources.

B.

Promote intra-government understanding and coordination by
providing a means to promote understanding and coordination of
branches, agencies, and entities of Acoma Pueblo on the purposes,
standards, and functions of education within Acoma Pueblo; and

C.

Make education a good experience and good preparation for life, by
providing a means to prepare members of the Acoma community for
life on and off Acoma Pueblo.

Chapter 4.

DEFINITIONS

21-4-1

Unless this Act otherwise indicates, the following definitions apply herein:
A.

“ABoE” or “Board” means the Acoma Board of Education and current
ABOE members for the Pueblo of Acoma. The ABoE is comprised of
three members duly appointed by the Governor, in consultation with
the Tribal Council and ADOE and two members appointed by Tribal
Council in consultation with the Governor and the Acoma
Department of Education. The number of members shall be set forth
in the Acoma Board of Education Charter.

B.

"Acoma Pueblo" or "Tribal" means the Pueblo of Acoma, a federally
recognized tribal government and includes the Pueblo of Acoma
people as a distinct cultural, ethnic, geographical, and political group.

C.

"ADoE" or "Department" means the Acoma Department of
Education, a governmental agency of the Acoma Pueblo charged
and empowered with administering this Act under the direction of the
Acoma Board of Education.

D.

“Controlled Substance” means a drug or other substance, as defined
in Acoma Laws Title 6, Chapter 12.

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-2

E.

"Charter" or "Chartered School” means an educational institution
chartered by the ABoE with the approval of the Tribal Council, or an
educational institution chartered by the New Mexico Public
Education Department (NMPED).

F.

"College" means undergraduate and graduate institutions.

G.

"Culture" means shared patterns of human behavior adopted by a
group of humans in order to survive as a people, including but not
limited to (1) interpersonal and kinship relationships with all living
beings; (2) spiritual relationships; (3) values, assumptions, rules, and
attitudes; (4) language; (5) social and individual development
processes; and (6) acquisition and use of knowledge.

H.

"Curriculum" means any planned education experience provided for
students.

I.

"Executive Director" means the Executive Director of the Pueblo of
Acoma Department of Education.

J.

"Education standards" means minimum levels of performance that
educational institutions must attain, or minimum requirements that
educational institutions must meet to provide and document quality
curriculum and educational policies and programs.

K.

"Educational data" or "data" includes, but is not limited to, attendance
reports, achievement data, test results, progress reports,
evaluations, language proficiency data, information about curricula
and instruction, information about employment practices and
staffing, information about social and economic variables,
information about funding, budgets, and finance, health and safety
information, information pertaining to the Affective Domain of social
and emotional growth, and information about school grounds and
buildings.

L.

"Educational policies and programs" include, but are not limited to,
policies or programs other than curriculum that develop strong
student or parent knowledge of, skills in, or involvement with schools,
their students, and their curricula.

M.

"Educators" includes but is not limited to teachers, administrators,
counselors, and other professional staff of educational institutions.

N.

"Governing body of another educational institution" is the authorized
governing body of another educational institution, with general
charge, direction, and management of the institution, and control and
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-3

care of all property used by or belonging to it, as provided and limited
by applicable law.
O.

"Indian preference" means that first preference shall be given to
qualified members of a federally recognized Tribe.

P.

"Local school" is any school offering early childhood education and
grades kindergarten through twelfth, or any part of that span, located
within Acoma Pueblo, the Grants Cibola County School District, or
parochial schools that serve the Acoma Pueblo community.

Q.

"Other Educational Institution" is any school other than a local school
that is located within Acoma Pueblo including, but not limited to,
chartered educational programs, chartered schools, early childhood
programs, and any other education program or school authorized by
the ABoE.

R.

"Parent" means anyone who is a parent or legal guardian of a
student, and includes parent groups and committees established
under federal, state, and tribal laws.

S.

"Parenting and family life" includes, but is not limited to, family
responsibilities, child growth and development, child birth and child
care, prenatal and postnatal care for infants and mothers, prevention
of child abuse, and related topics.

T.

"Policies and procedures regarding school governance" shall
include, but not be limited to, education policies and procedures
prescribed under federal, state, and tribal law.

U.

"School" is a place, institution, or process for formal teaching and
learning on and off Acoma Pueblo that provides education to
students.

V.

"School board" is the authorized governing body responsible for
developing, maintaining, and locating local schools, and for providing
educational opportunities and services on and off Acoma Pueblo for
students attending public or private schools.

W.

"State" or "state government" means the State of New Mexico, or any
political subdivision thereof.

X.

"Student" means anyone who is officially enrolled in a local school or
another educational institution.

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-4

Chapter 5.

ACOMA BOARD OF EDUCATION (ABoE) and ACOMA DEPARTMENT of
EDUCATION (ADoE)

21-5-1

Creation of the Acoma Board of Education: The Acoma Tribal Council
created the Acoma Board of Education through Tribal Council Resolution
No. TC-NOV-07-07-VIa.

21-5-2

Power and Duties of the Acoma Board of Education: The Acoma Tribal
Council created the Pueblo of Acoma Department of Education supervised
and directed by a Board of Education to manage and oversee the
educational oversight of all tribal education programs. (Tribal Council
Resolution No. TC-NOV-07-07-VIa). As such, the Acoma Board of
Education (ABoE) shall determine policy and direction for the development,
implementation and coordination of access to quality services through the
Acoma Department of Education (ADoE) for all education programs and
schools.

21-5-3

Organization and Authority: The ABoE shall perform all functions delegated
to it in this Act.
A.

B.

Board Composition: The ABoE is comprised of three members duly
appointed by the Governor, in consultation with the Tribal Council
and ADoE, and two members appointed by Tribal Council in
consultation with the Governor and the Acoma Department of
Education. The number of members shall be set forth in the Acoma
Board of Education Charter.
1.

Of the ABoE members, there shall be two Board members
who shall serve in an ex-officio capacity, with one of the exofficio members appointed by the Governor and the other
appointed by the Tribal Council from the Tribal Council. The
ex-officio Board members shall not vote.

2.

Prior to any Board appointment, Governor will consult with the
Tribal Council and the Department of Education regarding all
nominations and Board selections.

3.

Vacancies. The Acoma Board of Education shall make
recommendations to the Governor and Tribal Council. Board
vacancies shall be filled by the Governor or Tribal Council
depending on which entity initially appointed the Board
Member for the unexpired portion of the term of office.

Terms: The terms of the appointed ABoE members shall be threeyear terms as contained in the ABoE Charter approved by Tribal

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-5

Council. Board members may be removed for neglect of duty or other
good cause as set forth in the Charter of the ABoE.
C.

Compensation: The ABoE members will be compensated according
to amounts approved by Tribal Council. Compensation for travel and
other costs will be paid by the ADoE upon approval under the
requirements of the POA.

D.

Duties
1.

The ABoE shall require and review regular reporting by the
ADoE regarding the condition, needs, and progress of
education within and outside Acoma Pueblo. Such reporting
shall include, but not be limited to, an annual State of the
Pueblo Education Report as provided in this Act.

2.

The ABoE shall actively promote and assist coordination of
ADoE services and programs. The ADoE shall actively
promote and assist the coordination of tribal services and
programs on critical education issues to meet the intent,
purposes, and policies of this Act.

3.

The ABoE shall recommend for Tribal Council approval all
contracts or agreements with consultants.
Contracts
recommended for approval by the ABoE shall be subject to
approved Acoma and ADoE Procurement Policies and
Procedures.

4.

Establish tribal curriculum. The ABoE shall establish tribal
curriculum in the areas specified in and in accordance with
this Act. Such curriculum shall include a tribal orthography to
be used in Acoma language instruction. This orthography
shall be approved by Tribal Council.

5.

Establish tribal education standards. The ABoE shall establish
tribal education standards in accordance with this Act.

6.

Establish tribal educational policies and programs. The ABoE
shall establish tribal educational policies and programs as
specified in and in accordance with this Act.

7.

Adopt or reject proposed policies. The ABoE shall adopt or
reject policies recommended by committees or commissions
as provided by this Act.

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-6

8.

Approve or disapprove ADoE appropriations and operating
budgets. The ABoE shall approve or disapprove
appropriations and operating budgets for the ADoE consistent
with this Act.

9.

Require and appropriate, from within the budget
authorizations approved by the Tribal Council or other funds
received by the ADoE from federal, state or private
institutions, funding for equipment, facilities, and resources.
The ABoE shall require and appropriate such funding for
equipment, facilities, and resources for the ADoE as deemed
advisable to meet the intents, purposes, and policies of this
Act.

10.

Seek grants and funding for education improvement. The
ABoE shall seek federal, state, and private funding and grants
for the improvement of education on and off Acoma Lands,
including funding and grants for research, planning, and
evaluation of education services.

11.

Promote tribal control of education. The ABoE shall actively
promote tribal control of education under charters consistent
with the intents, purposes, and policies of this Act.

12.

Establish advisory commissions and committees on
educational, programs, policies and legislation as necessary.
The ABoE shall establish advisory commissions and
committees on education as it deems necessary. Such
commissions or committees shall serve in an advisory
capacity in the development of tribal education policies, and
in other matters affecting education; and shall be established
to meet the statutory or other requirements for the ABoE.

13.

All government to government consultation regarding
education shall include the ABoE.

14.

The ABoE shall hire an Executive Director for the Acoma
Department of Education.

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-7

E.

Governing Bodies of Other Educational Institutions and/or Programs
within Acoma Pueblo
1.

Other Governing Bodies of educational institutions and/or
educational programs operating within the Pueblo of Acoma
such as the Haak’u Community Academy School Board,
Acoma Scholarship Committee, the Acoma Johnson O’Malley
Board, and other committees or Boards that may become
necessary as a result of new schools and programs shall meet
all applicable statutory, and regulatory requirements,
including, but not limited to those established by the ABoE.

2.

Establishment and creation of governing bodies: The ABoE
shall establish a governing body of any other educational
institution by charter or other action. The powers and duties,
terms
of
office,
appointment/removal
procedures,
administrative organization and structure/operation shall also
be contained in those charters and actions of the ABoE.

Chapter 6.

ACOMA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

21-6-1

Executive Director Selection, Qualifications and Vacancies
A.

The ABoE shall hire an Executive Director for the Acoma Department
of Education. The Executive Director shall be a full-time employee
of the Acoma Pueblo and shall maintain an office at Acoma. The
Executive Director has the power and duty to exercise all powers,
duties, and responsibilities of the Acoma Department of Education
as set forth in this Act or other Acoma Pueblo policy.

B.

Qualifications and Salary of Executive Director. The ABoE shall
establish the qualifications for and the salary of the Executive
Director of the ADoE.

C.

The ABoE shall develop a position description for the position of
Executive Director of the Acoma Department of Education. This
position description will be forwarded to the Director of the Acoma
Human Resources Department for classification and compliance
with the Acoma Human Resources Manual. Upon approval from the
Acoma Human Resources Director, the position will be advertised
and a selection will be made by the ABoE following the process set
forth in the Acoma Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual, as
amended.

D.

The ABoE shall follow the Acoma Personnel Policies and
Procedures Manual, as amended, to provide supervision and
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-8

oversight of the Executive Director’s position. This shall include
performance evaluations, required training, discipline, and removal.
E.

21-6-2

During periods in which the Executive Director's position is vacant,
the ABoE President or the President’s designee shall serve in a
salaried capacity as the Acting Executive Director of the ADoE, and
during such periods, shall be an employee of ADoE.

Executive Director Authority and Responsibility: Subject to the authority of
the ABoE, the Executive Director of the ADoE shall:
A.

Administer and enforce this Act: The Executive Director shall be the
principal administrator and enforcer of this Act. In doing so, the
Executive Director shall:
1.

Exercise oversight over the administration and operation of
the ADoE’s functions, and over the compliance by local
schools and other educational institutions with this Act;

2.

Maintain current knowledge of the law and procedures in
administration and enforcement of tribal education laws and
policies, and serve as the principal technical and professional
advisor to the ABoE on all matters relating to the Act and
education within Acoma Pueblo;

3.

Provide leadership in and otherwise promote the
improvement of education within Acoma Pueblo, including
through constant contact with educators, personal
appearances at public gatherings, research, planning, and
evaluation of education services; and

4.

Seek and coordinate tribal and non-tribal resources to
implement this Act and to improve generally the condition,
needs, and progress of education within Acoma Pueblo;

5.

Employ qualified staff of ADoE. Subject to the approval of the
ABoE, the Executive Director shall work with the Acoma
Department of Human Resources to employ qualified
professional, clerical, and other employees, as may be
necessary for the administration of this Act. Subject to
approval of the ABoE, the Executive Director shall plan and
direct the duties and responsibilities of the Department staff
and shall ensure that the staff carries out their duties and
responsibilities. The Executive Director shall ensure that the
Department staff is qualified and receives appropriate
professional development and training.
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-9

6.

Maintain office for filing and records. The Executive Director
shall have and maintain an office at Acoma, provided by
Acoma Pueblo, in which he/she shall: secure all papers,
reports, public documents, and other data transmitted to
him/her and hold the same subject to inspection by the ABoE;
and keep and manage all records of all matters pertaining to
the ADoE;

7.

Establish a uniform data gathering, compiling, and reporting
system. Establish a uniform system for the gathering,
compiling, and reporting of educational data from local
schools and other educational institutions, Acoma Pueblo,
and other tribal, state and federal governments. The
Department shall use the data to evaluate and ensure
compliance with this Act, and to improve generally the
condition, needs, and progress of education on and off Acoma
Pueblo. The system for gathering the data shall include but
not be limited to:
a.

Receiving and examining written educational data;
policies and procedures regarding school governance;
and educational policies and programs provided by
local schools and other educational institutions. The
ADoE working with the various committees shall
specify a format for the reporting of written educational
data by local schools and other educational institutions;

8.

The Executive Director shall, at least twice a year, call and
conduct meetings with professional stakeholders from the
Acoma community, the Grants Cibola County School District,
the State of New Mexico, the Bureau of Indian Education
(BIE), and National Education organizations and other
professionals.
The Executive Director shall endeavor,
through discussion and explanation, to establish and
maintain, standards, programs, and policies developed under
this Act and regulations to implement the Act to maintain a
constant state of improvement for the education of Acoma
community members, including proposing amendments to the
Act to the Tribal Council.

9.

The Executive Director shall have the authority to execute all
contracts related to the Education Department including
teachers, school administration, support staff and outside
contractors up to the amount of $100,000 annually. Any
contract $5000 or more must be approved by the ABoE.
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-10

B.

Conduct on-site assessment visits of local schools and other
educational institutions. On-site assessment visits of local schools
and other educational institutions shall be conducted by an
evaluation team;

C.

Develop tribal curriculum: Develop tribal curriculum in the areas
specified in and in accordance with this Act;

D.

Develop tribal education standards: Develop tribal education
standards in accordance with this Act;

E.

Recommend a tribal orthography: Recommend to the ABoE a tribal
orthography to be used in Acoma language instruction and
curriculum development;

F.

Evaluate and make recommendations for compliance by local
schools within Acoma Pueblo with tribal curriculum and education
standards: On behalf of Acoma Pueblo, and jointly with the state,
enforce compliance by local schools with tribal curriculum and tribal
education standards. Compliance shall be evaluated as part of the
data gathering provisions of this Act;

G.

Evaluate and make recommendations for compliance by other
educational institutions such as Grants Cibola County School District
schools with tribal curriculum and education standards: Evaluate and
make recommendations for compliance by other educational
institutions with tribal curriculum and tribal education standards.
Compliance shall be evaluated as part of the data gathering
provisions of this Act;

H.

Develop and enforce tribal educational policies and programs and
evaluate compliance by schools within Acoma Pueblo and other
educational institutions with tribal educational programs: Develop
tribal educational policies and programs in the areas specified in and
in accordance with this Act, and enforce compliance by schools
within Acoma Pueblo and other educational institutions with the tribal
educational policies and programs. Compliance shall be evaluated
as part of the data gathering provisions of this Act;

I.

Review budget estimates of, and appropriations for, schools within
Acoma Pueblo and other educational institutions: These review
activities support the goals and objectives of the Team Indian
Policies and Procedures (TIPP) and the Indian Parent Advisory
Committee (IPAC). Participate in public hearings and other budget
and finance processes of local schools and other educational
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-11

institutions, and review budget and financial information provided by
local schools and other educational institutions. Such participation
and review shall include, but not be limited to, determining the links
between budgets and financial plans and meeting and promoting the
intents, purposes, and policies of this Act.
Chapter 7.

SCHOOL BOARDS

21-7-1

Appointment and Removal Authority: The ABoE shall reserve the right to
appoint and remove school board members for all tribal schools within
Acoma Pueblo. School boards are subject to this Act and other tribal policy
as specified in this Act and as otherwise permitted by federal law and tribal
law.

21-7-2

School boards to cooperate with the ADoE: School boards shall ensure that
their schools and staff cooperate with the ADoE in implementing this Act
and in addressing other education problems and issues that arise within
Acoma Pueblo. Such cooperation shall include, but not be limited to:
annually providing written educational data to the ADoE following the format
specified by the Department; ensuring that their educators participate
effectively in the execution of this Act; and ensuring that their administrators
participate effectively in the on-site assessment evaluation teams provided
for by this Act.

21-7-3

School boards to provide policies and procedures to ADoE and align them
with this Act: School boards shall provide a complete and current copy of
all existing written policies and procedures regarding school governance to
the ADoE. School boards shall annually provide copies of any and all
amended or new policies to the Department. Existing policies and
procedures which are inconsistent with this Act are subject to revision with
technical assistance from the ADoE. Amended or new policies shall be
aligned with relevant provisions of this Act before their adoption by the
school boards.

21-7-4

School boards to include ADoE in their established processes for reviewing
curriculum, education standards, and educational policies and programs:
Because such inclusion may be necessary to the development by the
ADoE, education standards, and educational policies and programs under
this Act, school boards shall include the ADoE in their established
processes used for reviewing applicable curriculum, education standards,
and educational policies and programs.

21-7-5

Incorporation of Tribal Curriculum: School boards to ensure that schools
within Acoma Pueblo include tribal curriculum in their curriculum and
standards. School boards shall ensure that local schools provide instruction

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-12

that is in substantial compliance with the tribal curriculum provided for and
developed under this Act.
21-7-6

Meeting Tribal Education Standards: School boards to ensure that schools
within Acoma attain tribal education standards. School boards shall ensure
that these schools attain or meet the tribal education standards provided for
and developed under this Act.

21-7-7

Tribal Education Programs to be Provided: School boards to provide tribal
educational programs. School boards shall ensure that local schools
provide the tribal educational programs provided for and developed under
this Act.

Chapter 8.

CURRICULUM AND EDUCATION STANDARDS

21-8-1

Procedures for Developing Tribal Curriculum: Under the supervision of the
ABoE, the ADoE Executive Director shall have oversight of the ADoE in
developing tribal curriculum. The ADoE shall:
A.

Review the curriculum of Acoma tribal schools and other educational
institutions within Acoma. Review the applicable current curriculum
of local schools and other educational institutions. Such review may
be conducted independently by the Department, or the Department
may participate in the established processes used by local schools
and other educational institutions for reviewing their curriculum;

B.

Coordinate and consult with school boards and governing bodies.
Coordinate and consult with school boards and the governing bodies
of other educational institutions;

C.

Consult with educators, community members, parents, and students.
Consult with and obtain the comments of educators, parents,
community members, other stakeholders and students;

D.

Keep curricula on file in the Department. Maintain a file in the
Department of copies of all current curricula, and proposed changes
to curricula for public inspection consistent with tribal law;

Chapter 9.

EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

21-9-1

Alcohol, Nicotine or Tobacco, and Drug Abuse Education
A.

Acoma Tribal laws prohibiting drugs, controlled substances, and
public consumption of alcohol: To the extent permitted by federal
law, Schools within Acoma are subject to tribal laws prohibiting

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-13

drugs, controlled substances, and the public consumption of
alcoholic beverages on Acoma Pueblo.
B.

Duty to Educate: ADoE and all Acoma tribal schools [are] to educate
staff and faculty, employees, volunteers and students about alcohol,
nicotine, tobacco, and drug abuse. All schools’ staff and faculty, other
employees, volunteers, and students shall receive education and
training about the need to maintain good health and prevent alcohol,
nicotine, tobacco, and drug abuse. Such education shall include, but
not be limited to: information about health curricula and educational
policies and programs provided for and developed under this Act;
and information about the policies of this Act as they relate to the
health and survival of Acoma Pueblo.

C.

Procedures for developing policies and programs: In developing
tribal alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education policies
and programs. The ADoE shall:
1.

Review the current policies and programs of Acoma schools
and tribal programs. Such review may be conducted
independently by the ADoE, or the ADoE may participate in
the established processes of schools and other tribal
programs for reviewing their policies and programs, and data:

2.

Review local and national policies, studies, and reports.
Review the latest local and national policies, studies, and
reports on alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse,
particularly alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse by
youth and Indian youth;

3.

Consult with educators, community members, parents, and
students. Consult with and obtain the comments of educators,
community members, parents, other stakeholders, and
students;

4.

Coordinate with school boards and governing bodies.
Coordinate and consult with school boards and the governing
bodies of other educational institutions;

5.

Draft tribal policies and programs. Draft tribal alcohol, nicotine
or tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and programs
consistent with the policies and programs of Acoma schools,
federal law, and Acoma law: provided that to the extent
alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education
policies and programs conflict with the policies and programs

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-14

of Acoma schools or with federal law, Acoma policies and
programs shall govern;
6.

Circulate draft policies and programs, and data for review and
comment. Circulate the draft alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and
drug abuse education policies and programs, for review and
comment and for a specified period of time, among school
boards, the governing bodies of other educational institutions,
selected educators, parents, members of the community, and
other such persons as deemed necessary;

7.

Review comments on draft tribal policies and programs, and
data. Review the comments and suggestions of those to
whom the drafts have been circulated, and after evaluating
the comments or suggestions, make such revisions to the
policies and programs as deemed necessary; and

8.

Submit draft policies and programs to Tribal Council. Submit
the draft policies and programs to the ABoE in the form of
proposed policies and programs for review and
recommendation for adoption or amendment by Tribal
Council.

D.

ABoE to establish alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse
education policies and programs: The ABoE shall establish alcohol,
nicotine or tobacco, and other drug abuse education policies and
programs which shall apply to local schools under the jurisdiction of
Acoma independently or jointly with appropriate state and federal
departments or agencies.

E.

Acoma schools to comply with alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug
abuse education policies and programs: Acoma schools shall
provide alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education
policies and programs in compliance with alcohol, nicotine or
tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and programs adopted
by the Tribal Council.

F.

Acoma schools to report compliance with alcohol, nicotine or
tobacco, and other drug abuse education policies and programs:
Acoma schools shall annually report compliance with alcohol,
nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and
programs, and data, to the ADoE.

G.

ADoE to evaluate and report compliance by Acoma schools with
alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and
programs: The ADoE shall regularly evaluate compliance by Acoma
Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-15

schools and other educational institutions with Acoma alcohol,
nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and
programs. The ADoE shall annually report its findings and
recommendations on compliance with Acoma alcohol, nicotine or
tobacco, and drug abuse education policies and programs, and data,
to the Tribal Council.
H.

Tribal [Children’s] Court to be used in implementing this section: In
implementing this section on alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, and drug
abuse education, the ADoE shall report violations of Acoma alcohol,
nicotine or tobacco, and drug abuse policies and programs to the
Acoma [Children’s] Court where the Executive Director deems it to
be in the best interest of a student.

Chapter 10. TRUANCY/ ATTENDANCE
21-10-1

The ADoE shall maintain compliance with Title 6 of the Pueblo of Acoma
Laws (2003) as amended, regarding Compulsory School Attendance.

Chapter 11. PARENTAL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
21-11-1

ADoE to include parents and community members in implementation and
refinement of this Act: The ADoE shall include parents and community
members in implementing and proposing amendments to this Act. Such
inclusion and involvement shall include, but not be limited to: the
development of curriculum, education standards, and educational policies
and programs; and the preparation of the annual state of the Pueblo
Education Report. Such inclusion and involvement shall be accomplished
through the annual meeting and by acquiring a place on the agenda at
Acoma community meeting periodically as provided by this Act, and through
other appropriate means. The ADoE shall also strive to include and involve
parents and community members in addressing specific education issues
and in improving education within Acoma Pueblo.

21-11-2

ADoE to provide annual in-service training for parents and community
members: The ADoE shall provide annually for parents and community
members in-service training in the priority education areas and issues of the
Acoma Pueblo, and in asserting and advocating for the education of their
children.

21-11-3

Parental and Community Involvement: Schools boards of schools within
Acoma, and the governing bodies of other educational institutions that
provide education services to children are to involve parents, children and
community members in ways that include the following:

Pueblo of Acoma Laws 2003 (2025 Replacement)
Page 21-16

A.

Formal processes for committees that oversee Title-VI Indian
Education 20 U.S.C. [§] 7401 and Title-VII Impact Aid 20 U.S.C. [§]
7701 regarding curriculum, education standards, and policies
regarding school governance, programs, and extra-curricular
activities: These committees shall include in their processes
members of the Team Indian Policies and Procedures (TIPP) for
Impact Aid and the Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC) for
implementing the Indian Education requirements, including, but not
limited to planning, developing, and evaluating curriculum, education
standards, policies regarding school governance, educational
policies and programs, and extracurricular activities; availability and
accessibility to programs, events, and activities that enhance
academic achievement and social development for students;

B.

Distribution of proposed curriculum and policies regarding school
governance and curriculum and policy changes: Grants Cibola
County Schools, Santa Fe Indian School, and other public, BIE
operated, and tribally operated schools that educate a large
percentage of Acoma students will distribute draft copies of proposed
curriculum, policies regarding school governance, and changes in
curriculum and policies to parents and community members for
review and input before the curriculum, policies, or changes are
adopted or effective;

C.

Develop materials regarding curriculum, policies, and activities:
Educational institutions shall develop written materials designed to
familiarize parents with the school's curriculum and policies and
detailing specific activities that parents and students may undertake
together to enrich the students' formal educational experience and
development; and

D.

Procedures for parent-school communication. In cooperation with
the ADoE: Educational institutions shall review their procedures for
communication between the parents and the schools, and shall
review the effectiveness of those procedures. With the ADoE and
parents, they shall strive to develop ways to improve such
procedures.

21-11-4

Annual Reporting on Parental and Community Involvement: Acoma
schools and other educational institutions shall annually report to the ADoE
their compliance with and progress under this Act regarding parental and
community involvement.

21-11-5

ADoE to evaluate compliance by local schools and other educational
institutions with provisions for parental and community involvement: The
ADoE shall regularly evaluate the compliance by and progress of local
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Page 21-17

schools and other educational institutions with the provisions of this Code
regarding parental and community involvement.
21-11-6

Relationship of parental and community involvement to parenting and family
life curriculum: The provisions of this Act regarding parental and community
involvement apply to all parents and community members, including those
students who are parents. The need for parental and community
involvement in local schools and other educational institutions shall be
included in the curriculum containing instruction on parenting and family life.

Chapter 12. EDUCATORS
21-12-1

Qualifications: To the extent required by federal, state, or tribal law, all
educators shall maintain state of New Mexico certification in their work area
as required. In addition, all educators shall gain and maintain specific
knowledge and skills that will assist in improving their ability to serve
students in the priority education areas of the Acoma Pueblo as set forth in
this Act.

21-12-2

Acoma Language and Cultural Certification: The ADoE, with the assistance
and advice of the Acoma Language Advisory Committee pursuant to §131-5 of the Pueblo of Acoma Laws, shall develop certification standards for
Acoma Pueblo Language and Culture Teacher Certification.
This
Certification will be required for teachers to teach the Acoma (Keres)
language in all schools within Acoma Pueblo. This certification will require
professional development and periodic recertification aligned with other
teacher requirements in this Act to ensure that teachers and teacher
assistants are skilled and knowledgeable in the content of Acoma language
and culture.
Origins: Enacted by Tribal Council Resolution No. 2023014.
Annotations: Tribal Council Resolution No. 2023-014
directed a change to the Acoma Laws to recognize the role
of the Acoma Language Advisory Committee in assisting
the Acoma Department of Education in developing
certification standards for the Acoma Pueblo Language
and Culture Teacher Certification.

21-12-3

Training: The ADoE shall regularly identify recertification areas appropriate
for educators. In such identification, the ADoE shall consult and coordinate
with school boards, the governing bodies of other educational institutions,
and colleges. The ADoE and colleges shall develop and provide accredited
courses in those areas. Such courses shall be provided at the colleges, or
at Acoma schools, and other educational institutions as pre-service or inservice training. The ADoE shall work with the state of New Mexico to gain
state recognition of accredited tribal courses for educational recertification
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Page 21-18

as qualifying to satisfy state of New Mexico recertification requirements for
educators as necessary.
21-12-4

Competency Guidelines and Evaluations: Acoma schools shall evaluate
educators at least annually. Educator evaluations shall be done according
to the policies and procedures of Acoma schools; provided, that:
A.

Evaluations to be made in writing. Evaluations shall be made in
writing after reasonable observation of each educator's performance
and review of the results of that performance; and

B.

Evaluation summaries and processes to be provided to ADoE.
Copies of written evaluation summaries, the evaluation processes,
and any changes in the evaluation process shall be provided
annually to the ADoE; and

C.

Teacher evaluations. Evaluations of teachers shall include but not be
limited to: assessment of instructional strategies; adherence to
curricula objectives, including applicable tribal curriculum, student
progress and performance; learning climate; and use of evaluation
findings, and work ethic such as teacher, staff, and administrator
attendance.

D.

Non-teacher evaluations. Non-teacher evaluations shall be based
upon their specific job descriptions and shall include but not be
limited to: assessment of adherence to the goals of tribal educational
policies and programs and the intents, purposes, and policies of this
Act; and student progress and performance.

21-12-5

Certification: Acoma Pueblo shall recognize successful completion of
accredited tribal courses as qualifying to meet tribal recertification
requirements for educators.

21-12-6

Hiring and Retention: In addition to satisfying the requirements of the state
of New Mexico for hiring and retention, educators must satisfy tribal
recertification requirements as provided by this Act.

21-12-7

ADoE to apply Indian preference: In implementing this Act, the ADoE shall
apply Indian preference in the hiring, training, retention, and promotion of
all staff, personnel, consultants, and contractors.

Chapter 13. CHARTERED
SCHOOLS
21-13-1

EDUCATIONAL

PROGRAMS

AND

CHARTERED

Process: ABoE will use the state of New Mexico or national process to
charter educational programs and schools. The application for these
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Page 21-19

charters must contain a Resolution of the Acoma Tribal Council and a letter
documenting an action by the ABoE supporting the application for a charter
school or other education institution.
21-13-2

Chartered educational programs and schools subject to this Act: Consistent
with and to the extent permitted by tribal, state, and federal law, chartered
educational programs and schools shall operate according to the Acoma
Tribal Council resolution approving their charter, including but not limited to:
their charters of incorporation; their articles of incorporation; and their
bylaws, including all amendments and updates thereto. In addition,
chartered educational programs and chartered schools are subject to
applicable provisions of this Act.

21-13-3

Act does not affect other obligations of chartered education programs and
schools: Except as otherwise provided in this Act, nothing in this Act shall
affect the incorporation of chartered educational programs and schools
under New Mexico law or the obligations of chartered educational programs
and chartered schools under state or federal law.

Chapter 14. MISCELLANEOUS
21-14-1

Construction of Tense Used: In construing the provisions of this Acoma
Education Act, the present tense includes the past and future tenses, and
the future tense includes the present.

21-14-2

Masculine Gender Inclusive: In construing the provisions of this Acoma
Education Code, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter
genders.

21-14-3

Reference to [Act] Includes Amendments: When reference is made to any
portion of this Acoma Education [Act], the reference shall apply to all
amendments and additions made hereafter.

21-14-4

Severability: If any part of this Acoma Education [Act] invalidated by a court
of competent jurisdiction or Acoma Tribal Council, all valid parts that are
severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of this [Act] is invalid
in one or more of its applications, that part remains in effect in all valid
applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_acoma%3A81707c739f18dfe9. Public record. Not legal advice.