Nixyaawii school principal addresses student walkout over math teacher cuts

Principal cites declining enrollment and federal funding losses as reasons for eliminating a certified math teaching position.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, graphic illustration featuring a repeating pattern of school supplies like textbooks, pencils, and notebooks in a grid of bright, neon colors, conceptually representing the student activism and community efforts to maintain quality education.A pop art-inspired illustration captures the energy and frustration of students fighting to preserve their education amid budget cuts.Pendleton Today

The principal of Nixyaawii Community School on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton, Oregon addressed a recent student walkout protesting the elimination of a certified math teaching position. Principal Ryan Heinrich stated the decision was due to declining enrollment and cuts in federal funding, not the performance of math teacher Mini Meyer, who was informed her contract would not be renewed for the 2026-27 school year.

Why it matters

The student walkout highlights growing concerns about budget cuts and course reductions at the school, which some students feel are diminishing the quality of education at Nixyaawii. The school's decisions reflect broader challenges facing rural and tribal schools across the region dealing with enrollment declines and funding shortfalls.

The details

Principal Heinrich said student enrollment has fallen from 80-85 to 65-70 in recent years, leading to the decision to eliminate the certified math teaching position held by Mini Meyer. He also cited rising inflation and the loss of federal COVID-19 relief funding as contributing factors. However, Heinrich stated the school is not eliminating math classes altogether, and will continue to offer courses required for graduation and college credit through certified staff and online options.

  • On March 19, 2026, the majority of Nixyaawii Community School's students walked out of class for several hours to protest the elimination of Meyer's math teaching position.
  • In early April 2026, Principal Heinrich sent an email addressing the student walkout and providing more details on the decision to cut the math teaching position.

The players

Ryan Heinrich

The principal of Nixyaawii Community School on the Umatilla Indian Reservation near Pendleton, Oregon.

Mini Meyer

A certified math teacher at Nixyaawii Community School who was informed her position would be eliminated for the 2026-27 school year.

Devon Hallspencer

A junior at Nixyaawii Community School who participated in the student walkout, stating the school has cut available courses in recent years.

Eleanor Kenney

A freshman at Nixyaawii Community School and one of the organizers of the student walkout, who said the school no longer offers the range of classes it once did.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We used to have a class on Indigenous culture and the culinary arts. Now it's our math teacher. Education is a big part of our lives, and we need a certified math teacher.”

— Devon Hallspencer, Junior

“This has been going on for a long time. He (Heinrich) has cut a lot of courses that made Nixyaawii a great school.”

— Eleanor Kenney, Freshman

What’s next

Principal Heinrich stated he and the school board recognize the decision to eliminate the certified math teaching position has upset some students and staff, and they are working to address the concerns through ongoing collaboration.

The takeaway

The student walkout at Nixyaawii Community School highlights the broader challenges facing rural and tribal schools across the region, as they grapple with declining enrollment, federal funding cuts, and difficult decisions about course offerings and staffing. The school's efforts to maintain core academic requirements while adapting to these constraints reflect the tough choices many educators must make.