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Native American advisory group reports progress, cites new American Indian education coordinator
Summary
A Native American advisory committee told the Sartell-St. Stephen School Board it has voted a letter of concurrence for 2024–25 and credited a recently hired part‑time American Indian education coordinator with increasing family engagement and support for students.
Lynn Rickens, chair of the Native American advisory committee, told the Sartell‑St. Stephen School District Board on March 1 that the committee voted a letter of concurrence for the 2024–25 academic year and described improved communication and participation since the district hired a part‑time American Indian education coordinator.
The committee’s vice chair, Charlie Heer, and other committee members credited the coordinator, Steven Casanova, with increasing attendance by parents and creating a “safe zone” for American Indian students. “Parents and students who work with Steven have shared positive feedback, expressing they feel supported and valued,” the committee reported.
The committee said the district’s superintendent, Dr. Michael Levard, has attended monthly NAEPAC meetings and worked closely with Casanova to provide guidance. Committee members said that superintendent attendance and the coordinator role together have encouraged more parent participation and helped the district meet its reporting expectations to the Minnesota Department of Education.
Committee members outlined upcoming events that the advisory committee will host or participate in: an honor for graduating Native American students at Sartell High School on May 17 and the committee’s second annual summer gathering on June 7 at the Sartell Community Center. The committee framed both events as part of continuing collaboration with the district to support Indigenous students.
Board members asked for questions; none were raised during the committee’s report. The committee described the letter of concurrence as reflecting “meaningful progress” in communication and supports for American Indian students.
The advisory committee report was given during the public reports portion of the board meeting and was presented by committee leadership rather than district staff. The committee urged continued collaboration with district administration going forward.
