The original building had a capacity of 250. By 1975, the enrollment was at 750, and the school district was forming plans to build a new school; the district planned to spend $6,696,000, with a grant paid with federal funds covering just under $6,700,000 of that. September 1977 was the earliest anticipated opening date.[2] The district was using weather data supplied by a Tohatchi High student, using a small weather station, as part of the district's plans.[3] The federal grant funding arrived in 1977.[4]
Osmond Charles "Chick" Fero,[5] in fall 1983 became the principal of Tohatchi High.[6] There were three other people considered for the position.[7] In 1985 he resigned after he was accused of murdering superintendent Paul Hanson, and Carl Montoya took his position.[6] Fero was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.[8]
Curriculum
The school began a woodworking program in 1972.[9]
In the 1976–1977 school year the school started a class on making rugs in the Navajo style, which was part of a program to add elements of Navajo culture to the coursework. It was the only such class in the school district.[10]
