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Board hears presentation on Native American students, Impact Aid and $450,000 in federal support
Summary
District leaders told the board they receive about $450,000 in combined Impact Aid and Title VI funding that supports roughly 140 students from the Apache reservation, and presented academic and career-readiness data showing gains alongside areas for continued improvement.
Blue Ridge Unified School District No. 32 leaders presented data and programming for Native American students and sought board approval of the district—s Indian policies and procedures for the 2025—6 school year.
Dr. Michael Wright and staff told the governing board the district receives Impact Aid and Title VI funding that together amount to roughly $450,000 annually. Staff said about 140 students who live on the Apache reservation attend Blue Ridge and that the district coordinates with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Apache tribe on Johnson O—Malley-funded activities (staff said those Johnson O—Malley funds flow through the tribe, not the district).
Ryan (presenter) walked trustees through subgroup academic measures across elementary and middle grades, showing rising proficiency trends in reading and math for Native American students in several cohorts and noting some dips in math that follow statewide patterns. He said the district—s current sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade cohort data show overall gains in English language arts and mixed results in math, and he reviewed ACT/ACT Aspire performance for older grades, noting local averages near the state benchmark.
Staff described a range of supports and partnerships: cultural activities and assemblies featuring crown dancers and traditional dress, college visits (Fort Lewis College and other universities referenced), CTE participation, career and federal-job application guidance coordinated with the BIA, and use of Johnson O—Malley funds for participation costs, uniforms and fees. The presenters also highlighted individual successes including Native American alumni attending or performing well at selective universities.
Board members asked about public engagement and the comment process required by Impact Aid templates; staff said the board—s approval will be followed by the district—s public-notice and response period and that the district used the federal template required after a recent monitoring review. Staff added the monitoring produced no formal findings but required adoption of the federal template.
Why it matters: Impact Aid and Title VI funding help districts with federally connected student populations pay for services and programs that support attendance, college access and extracurricular participation. Board approval of the required policies allows the district to maintain compliance and continue receiving those federal dollars.
The board approved the Indian policies and procedures for 2025—6 by voice vote (motion: Margaret; second: Chuck), with staff noting planned public comment and outreach following the board—s action. The presentation concluded with trustees thanking staff for the work and inviting continued partnership with the Apache tribe and the BIA.
