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Burnsville School Board accepts American Indian Parent Advisory Committee nonconcurrence, directs written response
Summary
The ISD 191 School Board unanimously accepted a vote of nonconcurrence from the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee and asked district leaders to respond in writing within 60 days and review the committee’s recommendations.
The Burnsville ISD 191 School Board unanimously accepted a vote of nonconcurrence from the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) and directed district leadership to provide a written response to APAC and the state Office of Education within 60 days.
APAC co-chairs Kelly Sundquist and Brian Birthday, and Indigenous Cultural Liaison Madison McKinney presented the committee’s annual report and explained that after multiple APAC meetings and discussion the committee voted “nonconcurrent.” Sundquist said the committee used an established rubric and “had very healthy conversations and Really reflections and, like, disagreements.” Brian Birthday and McKinney described program highlights including weekly Indigenous Student Weekly Advisory Group meetings, cultural instruction such as beadwork, and the South of the River powwow hosted at Burnsville High School.
Board members acknowledged the presentation and thanked the committee for its work. Isis Buchanan, director of educational equity, recommended the board accept the APAC vote “pursuant [to] Minnesota statute” and review the committee’s recommendations. Director Hulme moved the board accept Buchanan’s recommendation; Director Ault seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
The APAC recommendations included a review of disciplinary actions for American Indian students, additional school-level recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and cultural heritage, moving American Indian education program staff salaries to the General Fund, providing smudging spaces and staffing for smudging in each building, and providing cultural resource trunks for staff use. The committee also requested continued board participation in community events such as the MIEA conference and the South of the River powwow.
Board Chair Werb thanked APAC and emphasized partnership: “We value your tireless dedication and efforts in evaluating and holding the district accountable.” The board also committed to continued collaboration with the superintendent and APAC to address the issues raised.
The district will provide a written response to APAC’s recommendations and submit that response to the Office of Education within 60 days, as directed by the board motion.
Context: The APAC presentation and vote occurred during the board’s agenda item on Indian education programming. The committee noted staff transitions (the recent departure of the American Indian cultural specialist) and provided enrollment and participation figures from January data.
