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Senate committee hears broad support and implementation questions for revisions to Indian Education for All
Summary
Advocates, tribal leaders and the Office of Public Instruction urged the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee to pass SB 181, which would tighten reporting and formalize tribal consultation for Indian Education for All; the Board of Public Education asked for clarifying language on professional-development rules.
Senator Jonathan Windiboy introduced Senate Bill 181, saying the measure would revise Montana’s Indian Education for All (IEFA) implementation and clarify that the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) is responsible for overseeing IEFA statewide. Windiboy framed the bill as a response to past litigation and uneven district reporting of IEFA expenditures.
Supporters from across Montana urged a due pass. Lance Forster of the Montana American Indian Caucus submitted a letter and told the committee the caucus stands behind SB 181. Patrick Yawaki, representing several tribal nations, said the bill would create “more accountable measures” and require tribes to be consulted “regularly in good faith.” Susie Hedlund, superintendent of the…
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