Native American advocates ask Tempe Elementary board to add Native program to agenda

Two community members asked the Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board on Aug. 6 to add the district’s Native American program to a future agenda for formal review.

Iona Tom, identifying herself as coming from the district’s Native American program, told the board she wants the district to “uphold the Indian Education Act,” including “native language instruction, cultural awareness, and accurate Native American history integrated into our curriculum.” She said Native students in the district have some of the lowest graduation and math and reading scores among student groups and urged the board to act so Native students “see themselves” in classrooms and curriculum.

Winona, who said she represents the Dine culture and spoke on behalf of the Tempe Elementary School District Native American program, asked the board to “formally add the native program” to a future agenda and to review data on Native student performance. “By creating a learning environment that resonates with native students’ cultural backgrounds, improving engagement and motivation, can help narrow these gaps,” she said. She cited the district’s Community Inspired Strategic Design framework and pointed specifically to goal No. 5, which she summarized as asking the district to “engage, empower, and hold individuals accountable for fostering a positive environment” and advancing inclusive practices.

The speakers asked the board for data review and planning to strengthen culturally relevant teachings, language supports and identity-based programming for Native students. The board did not take formal action on the request during the meeting; the remarks were made during the meeting’s public comment period.

District staff and board members acknowledged the comments during the meeting’s later discussion items and several members referenced the broader agenda of policy reviews and programs, but no date was set during the Aug. 6 meeting for a follow-up agenda item specifically on the Native American program.

Next steps: The speakers asked the board to add the topic to a future agenda and requested a staff data review; the board did not commit to a timeline at the meeting.