Anthony R. Fairbanks, Ed.D.
Dr. Fairbanks has been serving the Laguna Department of Education, Laguna, New Mexico, as Superintendent since 2007. An advocate of education for over 28 years, he previously served as an Assistant Professor for New Mexico State University, Native American Development Specialist for the University of Wisconsin, elementary school Principal, Pre K-12 Dean of Students, middle and high school football coach, consultant to the Blandin Foundation and Executive Director of the American Heart Association for the states of Montana and Alaska. Dr. Fairbanks is Ojibwe from the Red Lake and White Earth Indian reservations, Minnesota. He has a Master's Degree in Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration.
Much of Dr. Fairbanks’ career has focused on the research and practical strategies of effective education leadership, financial management, team development, community and stakeholder collaborations, education reform, policy development, school transformation, academic proficiency and safe learning environments for all students.
Recent initiatives to improve proficiency within the Laguna Department of Education have been the alignment of curriculum and best practices from early childhood to higher education; academic assessments for enhancing instruction and student achievement, extended school day, Saturday School and an enhanced teacher evaluation system that includes classroom data trends and analysis.
Dr. Fairbanks has advocated for safe schools, including testifying as a witness to the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing: “Does Indian School Safety Get a Passing Grade?” He has influenced a variety of educational and health related policies in collaboration with local, state and United States congressional and senate support.
As the first Native American Principal in the 120-year history of the St. Mary’s Elementary School in Red Lake, Minnesota, Dr. Fairbanks developed and facilitated several Indian reservation community and school district leadership programs, the “Walking in Two Worlds” and “Celebrating Our Differences” workshops and several educational outreach programs that address Native American youth and adult issues influential to their pursuit of higher education. He was also the first Native American executive of the American Heart Association. Fundraising efforts advanced from 52nd (out of 52) to 1st in the nation within his first two years as Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Alaska Affiliate.
Dr. Fairbanks’ publications are centered on American Indian and Alaska Native attributes that contribute to their ability of transitioning between Native and non-Native cultures and communities in which they live and work.
Media Videos:
Laguna Pueblo Schools Superintendent Testifies on Indian School Safety