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Board approves Indian policies and hears presentation on Native American students and Impact Aid funding
Summary
Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32’s governing board approved the district’s Indian policies and procedures for 2025–26 after staff presented program activities, academic data and federal funding details tied to Impact Aid and Johnson O’Malley funds.
The Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32 Governing Board approved the district—s Indian policies and procedures for the 2025—26 school year and heard a lengthier presentation on services and academic trends for Native American students during the meeting.
District staff members said federal Impact Aid and Title VI funding, and Johnson O—Malley support routed through the Apache tribe, are important revenue sources for programs serving students from the Apache Reservation and other Native American families.
Kimberly, a district staff member who presented the policy changes, told the board that the district used the federal template required by Impact Aid monitoring and that the district received no findings in a recent federal review. "Those two funding sources combined are about $450,000 to the district, and we appreciate that money, from the federal government," Kimberly said.
Ryan, who compiled the academic data for the presentation, summarized year-to-year trends in elementary and middle grades: "We are increasing across the board. The trend lines show you that we're increasing both, pretty sharply in reading and also in math," he said, pointing to cohort and subgroup gains on state assessments. Ryan also reviewed ACT results and graduation-rate trends, telling the board the district is "trending up" on graduation with work underway to reconcile cohort records; he noted current graduating-class counts of 50 students and a cohort of 70 that are being reconciled for state reporting.
The presentation included examples of culturally focused activities tied to Impact Aid and Johnson O—Malley support: a Native American heritage week with crown dancers and traditional clothing, student visits to colleges, and community partnerships. Staff said about 40 students who live on the Apache Reservation attend Blue Ridge and that Johnson O—Malley funds (administered by the tribe) have been used for items such as sports fees and uniforms.
Board members asked about public-notice requirements and outreach. Kimberly said the district will publish the required public comment notices and that one public session on the Impact Aid materials is planned for Jan. 30; she said the public comment period will follow board approval and that feedback will be used to adjust next year—s materials.
After the presentation the governing board moved to adopt the Indian policies and procedures for the 2025—26 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
Staff said the Bureau of Indian Affairs representatives met with the district recently and expressed interest in continued partnership, including supporting students who pursue federal employment or trades training after high school.
The district will post the approved policies and the public comment process required by the federal template; staff asked the board to consider any additional outreach needs following those responses.
