BIE Launches New Websites for All Bureau Operated Schools

The Bureau of Indian Education reached a major milestone in its Strategic Transformation of Education Plan and launched new school websites for all Bureau Operated Schools. This effort strengthens transparency, accountability, and service delivery by ensuring every Bureau Operated School has a modern, accessible website.  

Since launch, BIE school websites have exceeded 500,000 page views, demonstrating increased access to information, stronger communication with families, and improved support for student success and workforce recruitment.

As part of the Strategic Transformation of Education Plan (STEP), BIE expanded access to modern school websites across its system. Previously, only 20% of BIE schools had functional local websites, limiting engagement with families, communities, and potential staff. Today, all 53 Bureau Operated Schools have updated websites with modern communication tools, consistent branding, and local administrative control for timely updates.

At John F. Kennedy Day School, the impact was significant and immediate. Carlita Lewis, an educator who led the JFK collaboration, said unreliable phone systems and other barriers made communication challenging in the past.

“The new JFK website has made it much easier for our families to stay connected and informed,” she said. “The website gives families a reliable place they can always turn to for important updates, school news, and upcoming events.”

For more remote schools like JFK, the sites also create a stronger sense of collaboration and community with other BIE schools. Fostering those relationships aligns with the STEP initiative’s goals and maintains the BIE’s focus on student success. Specifically, newly established monthly website meetings encourage schools to share ideas, learn new website skills, and connect with other BIE staff.

Crownpoint Community School developed a Principal’s Corner webpage, and multiple schools adopted this impactful strategy after it was highlighted during the monthly meeting.

Crownpoint Community School’s IT Specialist Rudy Thompson continues to improve the school’s website to simplify communication and expand access for families.

“The website allows me to direct parents to online resources instead of relying on printed handouts or email exchanges,” he said.

Havasupai Elementary School Principal Hoi-My Winder, Ph.D., uses the school’s new website to build consistency and trust with the community through communication.

“Families now have one consistent place to find newsletters, announcements, calendars, and reminders,” she said, which has reduced confusion and increased awareness of school activities. The website has also improved transparency by making school board information and policies readily available, ensuring families feel informed and included.

Beyond communication, Havasupai uses its site to strengthen family engagement. Parents and guardians support their children’s learning at home with online workshops, videos, and virtual lessons. The website serves as a central hub for communication while also encouraging participation in leadership opportunities and school improvement efforts.

The BIE has entered the next phase of the website initiative – working with Tribally Controlled Schools. The first cohort – Takini School, Circle of Life Academy, Rock Creek Grant School, and Pierre Indian Learning Center – recently launched their new sites, with eight more schools beginning the process.  

Surpassing 500,000 page views reflects improved access to information, stronger family engagement, and more transparent, effective communication between BIE schools and the communities they serve.