Public and private schools in Tulsa, Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Nowata, Ottawa, Rogers, Sequoyah, Wagoner and Washington counties will receive money.

“We believe education is a process and leadership is the product,” Principal Chief Chad Smith said at a press conference Monday. “Innovative educational programs continue to be a priority as we plan for our future. This $3 million will help not only the 21,000 Cherokee students in these schools but all the other students and staff, as well.”

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard, who spoke at the press conference, said he appreciates the tribe’s contribution to education.

“It’s very obvious that the Cherokee Nation is a strong supporter of education,” Ballard said. “Education is key, not just for the 21,000 Cherokee students, but for all children. Thank you for what you have done.”

Since 2002, the tribe has donated more than $16 million to schools in northeastern Oklahoma. Under tribal law, 38 percent of revenue from tribal vehicle tags goes toward education, and the funds are distributed based on the number of Cherokee students per school district.

Smith said the money helps make up for funds that otherwise would be generated by state vehicle tag sales. Under state law, 36.2 percent of state motor-vehicle taxes goes to education.

“The thing is, when we sell a tag, there is one from the state that is not sold,” Smith said. “We don’t want schools to suffer.”

The money is not earmarked, and can be spent by the schools on areas where they see a need, Smith said.

Lori Means, superintendent of Maryetta Schools in Adair County, said last year’s funds went toward art programs.

Means said this year’s funds will be used for smart boards for classrooms.

“Cherokee Nation is not just focusing on one group, but the whole school,” she said.