BEMIDJI-Minnesota lawmakers last week sent a letter to the Executive Office of the President, requesting federal money to fix "deplorable conditions" at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig school in Bena, according to a release.
The school "is in dire need of replacement," read the letter, signed by eight members of Congress. "The facility, which was originally built for use as a bus garage, has serious structural and mechanical deficiencies and lacks proper insulation." It also described mold and fungus problems that cause poor air quality, outdated technology, a leaky roof, uneven floors and a rodent infestation.
"It is not a setting for students to learn and thrive," the letter continued continued.
The letter was addressed to Shaun Donovan, director for the Office of Management and Budget. It asked him to consider things at Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig when drafting next year's budget proposal-specifically the needs of schools falling under the Bureau of Indian Education.
"We are incredibly thankful to the Minnesota Congressional Delegation for their continued advocacy and support of funding and replacement of the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School," Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Chairwoman Carri Jones said in a press release. "Our students deserve to learn in peace and safety, and I will not stop until we get them a safe, healthy and happy environment."
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Minnesota lawmakers were part of a recent push that increased construction funding for the Bureau of Indian Education. In December, President Barack Obama signed the appropriations bill, which mentions Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig as an example of inadequate funding. The bill set aside roughly $200 million for school construction and renovation.
Last week's letter was signed by both Minnesota Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, as well as six Minnesota representatives, including Collin Peterson and Rick Nolan.
