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APAC issues letter of non‑concurrence; committee urges district action on native student supports and retention of equity director
Summary
The Prior Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) voted non‑concurrence on the district’s Indian education program for 2024–25, citing concerns about budget transparency, achievement gaps, limited committee input on spending, ongoing bullying incidents and the district’s proposed elimination of the director of equity and inclusion.
The Prior Lake American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) presented a written letter of non‑concurrence to the Prior Lake‑Savage Area Schools board on April 14, saying the district’s Indian education program plan for 2024–25 is not sufficient and requesting specific actions and financial transparency.
APAC chair Sierra McAllister told the board the committee’s vote of non‑concurrence followed longstanding concerns that, the committee wrote, have persisted since at least 2022. The letter acknowledges positive developments — hiring a liaison to assist work by the district’s American Indian student support coordinator, tutoring and student cultural events including a student‑organized powwow — but lists continuing deficiencies that led to the non‑concurrence vote.
Key concerns in APAC’s letter: the committee requested an administrator who will work directly with APAC and respond to requests beyond an annual letter and response cycle; APAC asked for full, unredacted accounting and regular budget updates for Indian education funds; the committee said lack of progress on curriculum development and representation on district advisory committees has hindered work to reduce the achievement gap; and APAC reported ongoing incidents of racism, bullying and harassment affecting Native students.
APAC also urged the district not to eliminate the director of equity and inclusion position. In public comments, committee members and community speakers said Sam Oak’s role has built relationships and supported Native students; APAC called the proposed elimination a step backward and urged retention of the position as part of broader cultural and educational supports.
District response and next steps: Superintendent Dr. Thomas and administration told APAC that they would begin senior leadership review of the concerns immediately and would work with APAC members in meetings to prepare a written district response within the 60‑day period required for a formal APAC letter response. Administration said the response would be refined with APAC input and then presented to the full board within the 60‑day window.
What APAC asked for: immediate budget accounting for Indian education funds, expanded APAC representation on district advisory committees (teaching and learning, equity and excellence advisory committees), proactive anti‑bullying work districtwide, and a strategic plan that specifically addresses the achievement gap for Native students. APAC emphasized that tribal sovereignty and political status of Native students create distinct obligations under state law and programs.
No vote was taken on APAC’s letter; administrators committed to engage APAC in follow‑up meetings and to provide a formal response within 60 days.
