Leech Lake School Earns Federal Renovation Money

The federal government has announced about $25 million in federal funding for the run-down Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School.

Rodents, roof leaks, exposed wiring and mold have created a building that officials have said isn’t fit to be a school. Minnesota government officials called those conditions “deplorable” in a 2015 visit.

Leech Lake chairwoman Carri Jones expressed excitement over the Tuesday move, which she and others called overdue. The tribe has attempted to get funding for this project before, but were denied. Jones recently testified in Washington about the school’s issues.

Current plans show the possibility of creating a linked elementary, middle and high school. This plan would keep kids from having to go outside when temperatures are at their coldest in the winter.

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