Contributed Article
BYLAS – The San Carlos Apache Tribe, in partnership with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Fort Thomas Unified School District, is proud to announce the completion of a major expansion at Mount Turnbull Elementary School, marked by a ribbon cutting for seven new classrooms serving tribal youth on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. The ribbon cutting took place during the school’s Back-to-School Night on Aug, 4, giving the community an opportunity to celebrate this important investment in education.
The expansion comes at a critical time as Fort Thomas Unified School District moves forward with combining Fort Thomas Elementary and Mount Turnbull Elementary, resulting in an anticipated increase of approximately 200 additional students. The seven new classrooms will help accommodate this growth by providing enrollment capacity for up to 210 students, reducing overcrowding and ensuring that children have access to safe, modern, and supportive learning environments.
The project received $2.6 million in funding in December 2024 through a collaborative effort. The grant application was prepared and submitted by the San Carlos Apache Tribe General Manager’s Office on behalf of the Fort Thomas Unified School District, with significant contributions from Chrissa Hinton, San Carlos Apache Tribe Grant Writer, and Darcy Barney, Fort Thomas Unified School District Grant Writer, whose hard work was instrumental in completing the application. The effort was further guided by the insight and leadership of Chairman Terry Rambler, who has consistently championed education as a priority for the San Carlos Apache people.
“This expansion represents more than new classrooms—it represents our responsibility to our children and their future,” said a representative of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. “With the growth in our student population, these new learning spaces ensure our youth have the room, resources, and support they need to succeed and carry our Nation forward,” said Chairman Rambler.
With construction now complete, students, families, and community members toured the new classrooms and the expanded Mount Turnbull Elementary campus as part of the ribbon-cutting celebration. The tours allowed the community to see firsthand how the new spaces will support increased enrollment, provide a more welcoming and modern environment, and create opportunities for academic success rooted in community and culture.
This project represents a meaningful investment in Apache children’s education and well-being. Beyond addressing capacity needs, the new classrooms will give students space to thrive academically while staying connected to their community, culture, and identity. Tribal leadership continues to emphasize that strengthening education systems is essential to empowering youth and building long-term community resilience.
The partnership between the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and the Fort Thomas Unified School District underscores the power of collaboration in supporting tribal youth. By aligning resources and priorities, the partners are working together to ensure that students receive quality education close to home, positioning them for success in school and beyond.
“The completion of the Mt. Turnbull Elementary classroom expansion marks a transformative and historical moment for our school district and community, made possible through the visionary partnership and generous support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the San Carlos Apache Tribe,” said Ft. Thomas Unified School District Superintendent Shane Hawkins. “With the addition of these new classrooms, we are now able to bring all of our kindergarten through fourth-grade students together under one roof at Mt. Turnbull Elementary, ensuring they have a supportive, culturally connected environment in which to learn, grow, and thrive.”- Shane Hawkins, FTUSD Superintendent
The San Carlos Apache Tribe remains committed to advancing initiatives that empower tribal youth, strengthen families, and promote sustainable community growth through strategic investments and collaborative leadership.
