Mahtomedi NAPAC votes concurrence; committee outlines programs and outreach

Ally Middlebrook, the districtwide social worker serving as the Mahtomedi Public School District—s Native American Parent Advisory Committee (NAPAC) representative, told the Board on Feb. 24 that the committee voted a resolution of concurrence, finding that the district and board are meeting the needs of Native American students in the district.

Middlebrook said the committee meets five times per year and reported that 44 students from 29 families in grades K–12 identify as Native American in the district. Under Minnesota statute, school districts with 10 or more Native American students must establish an American Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee; Mahtomedi—s committee uses the name NAPAC.

Middlebrook reviewed how the district uses funds from the American Indian Education Aid grant, which the committee applies for each year. She listed current and planned offerings that align with the grant—s goals to support postsecondary preparation and academic achievement and to make curriculum culturally relevant:

- Outreach to Native American students and families about programs and supports. - Partnership with Mahtomedi High School counseling to bring three Native students to a Native American college fair in St. Paul. - Collaboration with St. Paul District 622—s American Indian Education Department on family culture nights and discussion of a possible end‑of‑year celebration. - ACT preparation courses and college application fee waivers for Native American high‑school students. - Exploring no‑cost tutoring and literacy enrichment opportunities for Native students, and summer enrichment kits with books and craft materials. - Professional development opportunities for staff on Native American history and culture, including attendance at the Minnesota Indian Education Association conference.

Middlebrook showed a photo and described a parent‑made medallion tradition for graduating Native seniors and noted plans to continue that practice.

Board members asked for participation numbers and for new issues the committee is raising. Middlebrook said 29 families are represented on the district list and about three families "actively, regularly participate" on the committee along with an Indigenous staff member. She said parents want more student voice on the committee and that secondary students are welcome to be voting members.

There was no formal board action on the presentation. Administrators did not recommend any immediate policy changes; the presentation served as the NAPAC—s required annual notice under state statute and as an update on grant‑funded programming.

Speakers and attributions in this article are taken directly from the Feb. 24, 2025 meeting transcript; direct quotes are attributed to named speakers where recorded.