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Ventura County Indian Education Consortium asks Santa Paula Unified to consider joining; outlines fees and services
Summary
Representatives of the Ventura County Indian Education Consortium told the Santa Paula Unified board the Title VI program serves 336 enrolled students countywide, described curriculum and cultural events, and explained a district’s first-year options: a $85-per-student census year or full participation at $728 per non‑federally‑eligible student.
Representatives from the Ventura County Indian Education Consortium presented to the Santa Paula Unified School District board Wednesday, urging the district to consider joining the countywide Title VI program that provides culturally based lessons, family events and college‑preparation support for Native American students.
"We've been in Ventura County providing Indian education services for 50 years," Robin Jacobs, the consortium coordinator, told the board, outlining program goals to increase cultural identity, academic achievement and graduation rates. Jacobs said the consortium currently enrolls 336 students who represent 69 tribal bands and highlighted an honoring ceremony and a 100% graduation rate for the program this year.
Parent committee member Pam Swicklo and a student participant, Alli Maria Chaun, described the consortium's community and the program's impact on leadership and college readiness. "I practically grew up in a community of indigenous people full of love and support," Alli said, urging indigenous students to participate.
Board members asked about local counts and costs. Consortium staff said an initial review of district data identified 14 students who listed American Indian heritage but noted eligibility requires the student, parent or grandparent to be an enrolled tribal member. For districts that elect to include students who are not eligible under federal Title VI rules, Jacobs said the consortium's rate for non‑federally eligible students was $728 per student for a full participation year; alternatively, the district could pay $85 per student in a preliminary year to collect counts and prepare for full participation.
Jacobs said the consortium provides school‑based lessons (about six lessons per year on a five‑year cultural rotation), college nights, campus trips, scholarships for graduating seniors, and family cultural events. Trustees and staff said they would review the cost options and follow up with consortium staff to determine enrollment eligibility and next steps.
Provenance: The presentation and Q&A occurred in the presentations section of the agenda; program details, enrollment counts and fee proposals were all discussed on the record.
