The Cherokee Nation has given $35,000 to Lost City School, which will enable the school to meet payroll next week and operate for another month. The money will give the school district time to propose options to the Cherokee Nation so that the school could stay open through the end of the school year under some form of management or operational agreement with the Nation, according to a press release from the Cherokee Nation.

“Our staff has been in daily contact with Lost City, assisting in trying to find a solution,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Our council members from Cherokee County, Mr. Baker and Ms. Glory-Jordan, have had input and helped us get to this point, as well. If the Lost City School is interested in working on an agreement with us that will allow us to work together, I think there is a great opportunity for both the school and the community to succeed here for a long time to come.”