Indian Affairs Bureau October 22, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Secretary of the Interior is announcing the Department's intent to form a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop recommendations for proposed regulations regarding Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded school facilities under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. As required by the No Child Left Behind Act, the Secretary will select representatives of Indian tribes for the committee from among individuals nominated by tribes whose students attend BIE-funded schools either operated by the bureau or by the tribe through a contract or grant. To the maximum extent possible, the proportional representation of tribes on the committee will reflect the proportionate share of students from tribes served by the BIE-funded school system. In addition, the Secretary will consider the balance of representation with regard to geographical location, size, and type of school and facility, as well as the interests of parents, teachers, administrators, and school board members, in selecting tribal committee representatives. As required in the NCLB Act, the committee shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of the Interior a report or reports setting out: A method for creating a catalog of school facilities; The school replacement and new construction needs of the interested parties, and a formula for the equitable distribution of funds to address those needs; The major and minor renovation needs of the interested parties, and a formula for the equitable distribution of funds to address such needs; and Facilities standards for home-living (dormitory) situations.