Board hears expansion of American Indian education programs and new college‑pathway efforts
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Summary
District staff reported increased funding and personnel for the American Indian education program, cultural events and field trips, summer programming with Concordia, and steps to build an Ojibwe teacher training pathway with Bemidji State representatives.
District staff updated trustees on the American Indian education program’s growth and recent activities at the Feb. 23 board meeting.
Dr. Jimmie Larson and program staff said state and federal funding increases have allowed the district to expand staffing and programming. The team listed three funding streams that support their work: state funds (about $300,000 reported by administrators), Title VI (~$100,000) and Johnson O'Malley (JOM) support for eligible students.
Staff highlighted cultural programming (indigenous peoples’ day powwow, drum and dance presentations at elementary schools), a strongly attended winter gathering, summer programming in collaboration with Concordia called “Land as Our Witness,” and field trips to Detroit Lakes and White Earth. The program is broadening college and career exposure: staff highlighted visits to area colleges including North Dakota State University and said Bemidji representatives will present an Ojibwe teacher‑training pathway to local high school and ALC students.
The presenters also described ongoing work on absenteeism and trust‑building with families, professional learning for staff, and a grant application to expand language programming.
Trustees thanked presenters and asked clarifying questions about scholarships and teacher recruitment efforts. Staff said final grant and program details will be shared as they become available and affirmed that their work includes outreach to multiple tribal communities represented in the district’s student population.
