The Division of School Operations oversees the day-to-day management and support of all 183 Bureau of Indian Education schools, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of Native students. This office directs and manages key operational areas, including facilities management, safety, bus transportation, technology infrastructure, acquisitions, Public Law 100-297, budget/finance, property, and Environmental and Public Law 93-638, while ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations and policies. It also works closely with school leaders, tribal governments, federal partners and other stakeholders to address operational challenges and collaborate on improved resource and service delivery. The office plays a critical role in maintaining safe, functional, and culturally supportive learning environments across the BIE system.
Deputy Bureau Director for School Operations
Sharon Pinto, a member of the Navajo Nation, has been the Deputy Bureau Director for BIE School Operations since August 2018. She is the resource for school administrators to resolve administrative operational needs, fast-track priorities, implement best practices and meet audit requirements. Pinto provides oversight, guidance and support to over 100 school operation technical employees serving 183 schools.
Previously, she served as the Navajo Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs between October 2011 and August 2018. Pinto provided direction and oversight for road transportation, realty, water resources, forestry, natural resources, oil and gas leasing, irrigation for agriculture, probate, environmental, fire management, and administrative operations. Before becoming the regional director, Pinto had been the deputy regional director for the Navajo Region since October 2007 and was responsible for overseeing and managing BIA regional trust resource management and tribal services programs focused on promoting Indian self-determination.
Pinto began her federal career in October 2001 as an Indian Self-determination Officer with the BIA’s Southwest Regional Office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As an expert in Public Law 93-638, Pinto provided training to BIA and tribal employees, worked to develop and implement the national contract support cost policy, and handled various PL 93-638 contracts with numerous tribes and tribal leaders.
Before her federal career, Pinto served in several capacities within the Navajo Nation government, including the Office of the Prosecutor, the Navajo Housing Authority, and the Office of Navajo Women and Children. She also worked with crime victims under the New Mexico District Attorney's Office.
Pinto received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in sociology from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
