CATOOSA, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation distributed $7.26M to 107 school districts as part of the tribe’s 2026 Public School Appreciation Day held at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa on Tuesday.
The tribe’s Motor Vehicle Tag legislation and compact with the state allocates 38% of its annual car tag revenue directly to education, for schools to use at their discretion.
“Today isn’t just about contributions, but the renewed commitment to invest in public education,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “During the 19th century our ancestors decided to invest 70 cents of every dollar back into education as they faced incredible odds to their survival. We still do that today through our investment in car tag contributions."
During his remarks, Chief Hoskin announced that the tribe would be continuing its Summer EBT program. The program assists nearly 45,000 students with summer meals.
Since 2002, Cherokee Nation has invested nearly $107 million to public schools in the Cherokee Nation Reservation and contiguous counties through the MVT compact with the state.
“This is always an exciting and rewarding day giving back to these public schools across the reservation,” said Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “As a past educator myself, I know how important these funds are and can help tremendously in areas needed.”
School superintendents and principals from across the Cherokee Nation Reservation gathered Tuesday for an appreciation luncheon and received their checks from the tribe.
“The distribution of Cherokee Nation car tag revenue to more than 100 public school districts across Northeast Oklahoma isn't just a line item in a budget. For many of these schools, these funds are dollars that fill funding gaps that would otherwise go unfilled. Dollars may launch new educational programs or help a teacher stay in the classroom with the supplies and technology they need. That's making a real and lasting difference in the lives of not just Cherokee students, but all students,” said Deputy Speaker of the Council Kevin Easley Jr., who represents District 14. “None of this happens by accident. It happens because our administration and the Council have chosen, year after year, to work together for the greater good and focus on what matters.”
The funds generated from the MVT compact are given without any earmarked requirements. Each school district decides how to invest the funds provided by the Cherokee Nation. In previous years, school districts have used the funds to cover teacher salaries, make facility upgrades and expand technology for school programs.
“The funds that we use are spread across all of our students through various programs like culture immersion and robotics” said Kenwood Public School Superintendent Jerod Philips. “Our robotics program is expanding because of these funds, the team went to the world competition, and they have many more opportunities to participate at the level and place really high. The program has expanded to flying drones, without the compact funds there would definitely be a shortage in these opportunities for the upcoming students.”
Funds for each school district are based on the number of Cherokee Nation citizens that have enrolled in that district. However, the funding benefits all students within the district.
“The Tax Commission is proud to support our schools and education partners across,” said Cherokee Nation Tax Commission Administrator Sharon Swepston. “The support for Public School Appreciation Day is made possible by our Executive Administration, The Council of the Cherokee Nation, my fellow Tax Commissioners and the backing of our Cherokee Nation citizens.”
The tribe also uses the MVT compact to invest 20% of funds generated for roads and bridges as well as a percentage to law enforcement agencies.
Funding totals by county include the following:
Adair County – $674, 521.12
Cherokee County- $1,247,183.28
Craig County – $174,390.95
Delaware County – $597,014.05
Mayes County – $655,668.07
Muskogee County – $559,378.49
Nowata County – $117,046.18
Ottawa County –$98,198.15
Osage County – 3,502.85
Rogers County – $828,186.81
Sequoyah County – $774,285.33
Tulsa County – $1,145,928.85
Wagoner County – $146,961.44
Washington County – $242,995.20