Board approves formal response to APAC non‑concurrence and commits to ongoing curriculum work

The Brainerd Public School Board approved a formal written response to recommendations and a vote of non‑concurrence issued by the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC).

Superintendent Peter Grant read the district’s response, which references several actions and commitments. On Ojibwe language and culture, the district said it had prepared a course titled "Introduction to Indigenous Language and Culture" (course number 131600) for grades 9–12, offered as a one‑credit semester course; the district said the section was posted internally and will seek additional staffing as enrollment grows. On data requests, the response reiterated that Minnesota Automated Reporting Student System (MARS) identification of North American Indian students is based on self‑reported identity and described the district’s procedures and forms used for federal and state reporting. Regarding Indigenous Peoples Day programming, the district acknowledged constrained timelines and said it is creating a working committee and plans to expand curriculum development to better incorporate Indigenous perspectives across the year. The response also noted existing efforts toward leadership succession and training across district administrative roles.

Director Deja Donnellinger moved to adopt the response and Director Randy Heidman seconded; a roll call vote recorded unanimous approval. The board's response states the district will continue collaboration with APAC as curriculum and staffing needs evolve.