School board hears Native American education update; votes to concur with parent advisory council recommendations

Justine Vogel, the district’s Native American education coordinator, told the Shakopee School Board on Feb. 24 that the district has strengthened programming this year and is planning a Dakota language course proposal for fall 2025.

Vogel said the district currently serves 241 Native students from 28 tribal nations and outlined work this school year on teacher professional learning, a Canvas course for staff, increased community and family engagement, and expanded extracurricular activities including drum and dance sessions and a smudging space at the high school that is being used regularly.

The update included planned next steps: meet again with learning, teaching and equity directors this spring to finalize a course description for a Dakota language class planned for board consideration in fall 2025; recruit students in winter–spring 2026 if approved; hire a teacher for the 2026–27 school year; and identify a permanent, designated space at the high school to house program materials and artifacts.

Cecilia Zander, identified as the Native American Parent Advisory Committee chair, and other parent-advisory representatives submitted a letter of concurrence that praised district efforts and offered public recommendations: federal Indian policy education, increased staffing and funding, expansion of native language programs, and a dedicated space at middle schools where Native student populations are larger. The letter also invited a board member to attend a future parent meeting.

The board voted to concur with the Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NIPAAC) for the 2024–25 school year. The motion to approve was made by Peterson, seconded by Brophy, and passed by voice vote.

Board members commented favorably on the breadth of activities — including field trips tied to Dakota history, college visits to tribal institutions, a November Native Prime event that drew more than 100 students and families, and new opportunities such as an elder day for middle school students and an indigenous career day for high school students. Vogel said an assistant was hired at 0.4 FTE to help with family recruitment and program logistics.

Several trustees suggested increased board attendance at parent meetings and praised the visible growth in programming. The board discussion included planning logistics for inviting members to attend parent meetings without creating a quorum.

Vogel closed by noting upcoming events and timeline items, including an April 10 Augsburg college visit and a March 13 visit to Red Lake Tribal College.