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APAC endorses Fridley's American Indian Education Aid goals; committee reports progress
Summary
The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC) reviewed goals for attendance, proficiency and culturally relevant curriculum and voted to concur that the district meets Minnesota statutes for American Indian education; the committee reported improvements and upcoming cultural events.
Josh Callahan, chair of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (APAC), and Janet Gunderson, the district's Native American education coordinator, presented the committee's annual review and goals on Feb. 17.
Callahan explained that the American Indian Education Aid application is based on the number of reported American Indian students and that APAC must vote to concur with the district's stated goals. He listed goal areas including post‑secondary preparation (attendance and graduation targets), a proficiency improvement goal of at least 5% in math and reading on state MCA assessments, culturally relevant curriculum development and increased participation in culture groups.
"These funds do not come from the school district. They come from the Minnesota Department of Education," Callahan emphasized when explaining the aid source. He reported early progress: American Indian students exceeded the 5% improvement target in both math and reading after the first semester, and attendance showed an 8.4 percentage‑point improvement in daily attendance compared with the previous year.
APAC recorded a vote of concurrence on Feb. 3, 2026, attesting that the district is compliant with Minnesota statutes governing American Indian education and that the district is meeting the needs of American Indian students, the presentation said. The committee also announced cultural activities and field trips (including a trip to Mille Lacs and a district powwow scheduled for April 11, 2026 at Champlin Park High School) and described an elective American Indian culture and language course at Fridley High School.
Board members thanked the presenters and offered to share additional resources; one board member noted a Hennepin County Medical Center youth summit scheduled April 18 that could benefit students. APAC representatives said they will continue to share resources and collaborate with district staff to expand opportunities for American Indian students.
