A key figure at San Xavier Mission School

  

In the late 1970s, dozens of students attended San Xavier Mission School on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation. Among them was a little boy named Ignacio “Nacho” Franko, a member of the tribe. Fast forward 40 years and Nacho still finds himself at the historic school. Today Nacho oversees maintenance and other projects at the school. He has been instrumental in getting Arizona’s first Catholic school back up and running for its reopening on August 5th. 

  

Nacho’s professional background includes everything from landscaping to construction, so when the school needed a maintenance manager, he was more than the perfect fit, “This has been the biggest challenge of my career,” he told the New Outlook. Nacho said the school’s age was concerning given all the upgrades that were necessary to get it up to standards, “I went to this school and so did my kids so it’s a part of our story. And it was important that I use my gifts here.” It’s his way of giving back and it’s the story of so many others who worked around the clock polishing the school in time to welcome its 15 new students. 

  

Over the last two years, Nacho helped oversee and manage the day-to-day upgrades working with contractors, volunteers, and other staff including Angelina Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Tucson.  According to Schmidt, “Most of the work consisted of cleaning classrooms, offices, and library, preserving important school artifacts, salvaging useful classroom/school materials, and donating items to local agencies for repurposing. Once the cleaning and organizing were completed, we were tasked with storing all furniture and materials so that flooring, painting and electrical renovations could begin,” she said. It was a true labor of love dedicated to the students, “I believe that supporting the growth of our students goes beyond the confines of our office. It means doing whatever it takes to ensure that ALL students have access to a Catholic school that helps them grow to their fullest potential,” Schmidt said. She said another mainstay in renovations was Robin Camacho, a school employee who assisted with cleanup efforts. 

  

The goal was to create a safe and nurturing environment. Minh Solorzano, principal at San Xavier Mission School, said among the unsung heroes in the effort were key figures like Nacho, Angelina Schmidt, Desmond Hernandez, who spent a month organizing the library and classrooms; Councilman Manny Martinez, who has helped promote the school; Julio Gilando, a school board member who also belongs to the Knights of Columbus, he helped market the school; and the Catholic Foundation assisted with grants to help fund renovations. Solorzano said she is especially proud that stakeholders were able to, “share ideas and recommendations to preserve the Himdag and build community.”  The effort went beyond the tribal community with volunteers from Salpointe Catholic High School and San Miguel High School. 

  

As the San Xavier Mission School looks toward the future, there are plans to continue renovations and expansion of grade levels. Currently kindergarten through second grade classes are offered, Solorzano said, “We are grateful for donations and volunteers. We will be seeking to hire teachers for the next school year.” She said none of the growth would be possible without faith, “I am so thankful to the Lord that He has been at the center of it all. Despite some challenges, God has blessed the school through the connection of amazing people who shared their prayers, time and talents to ensure that the school reopens.” It's the people and places that make the San Xavier Mission School special, and it’s the community that drives the goodwill of people who will see operations through its future.