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Richfield board hears growth and goals from American Indian parent advisory (IPAC)
Summary
The Richfield School Board received an update on the district merican Indian Education program from the IPAC parent advisory, which reported rising participation, goals tied to MDE and Title VI funding, and a formal vote of concurrence earlier this year.
The Richfield School Board on May 19 heard a presentation from Samantha Weaver, the district—s Indigenous Education coordinator, and members of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC) outlining program growth, grant funding and stated academic goals for Native and Indigenous students.
IPAC reported greater family engagement and more completed family forms this year (62, up from 58 last year), which Weaver said supports applications for grant funding. Weaver told the board the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) allocation for the program was estimated at $92,000 this year; Title VI federal funding that had been $10,000 was anticipated at $14,000 for the current year. Weaver described the MDE grant as covering roughly half of her salary and noted additional salary support from the district—s achievement and integration funds.
The IPAC presentation listed measurable academic goals from grant guidance: increase reading proficiency for Native and Indigenous kindergarten students on FastBridge from 12.5% in the fall to 40% in the spring; increase third‑grade FastBridge proficiency from 40% to 60%; and expand culturally focused professional development for staff from one session in 2024 to three in 2025. Weaver said one of IPAC—s SMART goals was to distribute school supplies to at least 55 Native students at back‑to‑school events or through follow‑up outreach.
Weaver described program activities over the past year, including a high‑school college fair at the Minnesota History Center that invited all Native American students (22 participants from grades 9—12), a moccasin workshop series that expanded from a single workshop into a recurring sewing circle, a powwow and drum/dance practice that included RHS participation and community vendors, a ribbon and skirt workshop, and a Native STEM family event. Weaver reported 24 families participated in a back‑to‑school event where more than 50 backpacks with supplies were handed out.
The committee—s governance process was described: IPAC must meet prior to March 1 each year to determine whether it concurs that the district—s educational offerings meet indigenous students' needs. If IPAC determines needs are met it issues a resolution of concurrence; if not, it issues a resolution of nonconcurrence. Weaver reported that on Feb. 18, 2025, Richfield IPAC issued a vote of concurrence.
IPAC also told the board it wants the district to continue developing and delivering curriculum that includes Indigenous history, knowledge and culture for all students; provide culturally relevant curriculum and accountability for staff beyond classroom teachers; deliver improved academic outcomes for Indigenous students; and hire additional Indigenous staff to support the work. Weaver emphasized community connection and the goal of improving data accuracy for Native and Indigenous students by partnering with the district—s technology team.
Board members responded with gratitude and personal reflections on the powwow and other events; members said they appreciated the outreach to younger students and the expanded family participation. Weaver said the program—s activities and growing IPAC membership have strengthened representation and community engagement, and she closed by saying, "I do it for the students and just watching the students grow in their confidence in their culture over the past couple years is exactly why I do this."
