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Albert Lea board hears APAC annual report; district highlights American Indian success coach and cultural‑resource bags
Summary
The board received its annual American Indian Education Aid report: the district has hired a full‑time American Indian success coach, distributed cultural‑resource bags and reported improvements in attendance and grades for American Indian students.
The Albert Lea Public School District presented its annual American Indian Education Aid report to the school board, emphasizing cultural supports and measurable gains for American Indian students.
A staff presenter and Janet Serrano, who serves as APAC chair and the district’s American Indian success coach, detailed accomplishments including hiring a full‑time success coach, distributing 52 cultural‑resource bags with Native‑authored literature and cultural items, and expanding supports for students. The packet to the board also corrected an earlier count: four students received driver’s education, not three, and the administration said it will adjust the March 1st report accordingly.
Janet described the cultural‑resource bags: each contained three items of Native literature (including the book Fry Bread), beaded lanyards, a water bottle bearing animal symbols tied to the seven grandfather teachings, stickers and other items to support cultural identity and classroom instruction. She said the program plans a rotating set of texts so students receive different American Indian books across years in the district.
Staff reported measurable outcomes tied to APAC efforts: three students identified as borderline truancy significantly improved attendance and are now on monitored status; among 6th–12th‑grade American Indian students the number of failing grades in semester 1 fell from 29 (previous year) to eight (current year). The district also described a fall field trip that combined cultural learning and outdoor experiences.
Board members thanked Janet and staff for the work. The board did not take action on this informational report; APAC concurrence occurs separately with the committee.
