St. Michaels, Navajo Nation (ARIZ) – During the March 4, Holbrook Unified School Board meeting, school board members voted three in favor and zero opposed on the new redistricted school board district map. The newly adopted redistricting plan was developed by the Office of Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission.

The new school board districts provide opportunity for Navajo citizens to elect candidates of their choice in three out of the five districts. The next steps are to develop public education materials and information on the newly elected plans.

The Commission will partner with Navajo County Superintendent of Schools on providing public education to Navajo citizens at the local level. The Commission is currently scheduling three seminar sessions within Holbrook school district. The main goal of these sessions is to bring awareness of the new districts and empower Navajo citizens on their voting rights.

The Commission and Navajo Chapters request for special election utilizing the newly adopted redistricting plans for all the five single member districts. Currently District 3 is eligible for a special election due to it being vacant. The Navajo County Elections director recommends the earliest election for District 3 is November 2025. The remaining “Governing Board positions have been appointed since 2000 due to no one running for open board positions on each cycle” according to the HUSD No. 3 district presentation.

It is important for Navajo citizens to consider applying for the vacant position and participate in the special election. Individuals who are interested in applying for candidacy for the school board positions must meet the eligibly requirements:

  1. Be a registered voter in Arizona.
  2. Be at least 18 years old.
  3. Have resided in the school district for at least one year before running for election.
  4. Not be an employee of the school district or have a spouse employed by the district.
  5. Not hold any other conflicting public office.

For more information, please contact the Office of the Commission at 928-871-7436.