Staff Report

As local schools prepare to reopen with distance learning in place, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation has announced it will commit $100,000 to Santa Ynez Valley schools to help address unforeseen costs caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

The funds will be split among 12 schools in the Santa Ynez Valley, and the amounts will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We felt this was an opportunity to give our schools some assistance as they navigate distance learning and continue to provide a proper education for local youth,” said Kenneth Kahn, Tribal Chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. “The schools in our community have different needs, so we’re hoping these funds will help ease the burden and provide access to the resources they need to operate a virtual classroom.”

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has donated more than $25 million to hundreds of groups, organizations and schools in the community and across the nation as part of the tribe’s long-standing tradition of giving.