Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Federal Program Contracts Title I topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Title I-funded contract for visiting hoop dancer after public questions; vote 5-1
Summary
Trustees approved a federal program contract to bring Star Chief Eagle to a Knollwood family and community engagement night. Board members asked for more contract detail before the vote; the item passed 5–1 by roll call.
The Rapid City Area School District board approved a federal program contract to pay for a visit by traditional hoop dancer and educator Star Chief Eagle at Knollwood Elementary School, with the measure passing 5–1 by roll call.
Several trustees asked the administration for more detail before the vote. "Why Knollwood? Why only Knollwood? ... When and how often are these workshops ... Who is the audience? What is being presented? How is it being funded? And what are the credentials of Star Chief Eagle?" Board member Donna Moore asked during discussion.
Director Strong responded that Star Chief Eagle has contracted with the district for seven years and is a nationally recognized hoop dancer from the Standing Rock community. Strong said Knollwood is paying for the appearance with the school's Title I family and community engagement funds; Title I schools are required to host three family and community engagement evenings each year, and Knollwood traditionally holds frequent events. Strong described the planned event as a roughly 20-minute dance followed by lessons and hands-on workshops (beading, ledger art and hoop decorating) and said the performer supplies materials for participants.
The board then approved item 13e, the federal program contracts, by roll call. The recorded votes were: Jamie Clapham — yes; Katie Irvin — yes; Donna Moore — no; Walt Stone — yes; Angela Rafferty — yes; Christine Stephenson — yes. Roy Carr was absent with notice. The board previously approved the remainder of the consent agenda (with 13e pulled for separate consideration).
Trustees who sought more detail said the contract description in meeting materials was too vague and asked staff to add clearer notes in future listings about the purpose and audience the funds support.
At the meeting, staff also noted Knollwood is among the district elementary schools with the highest proportion of students who self-identify as Native American; the presentation was described as culturally relevant programming intended for families and community members as part of Title I engagement efforts.
