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Robeson County board moves Title VI grant to action, approves application amid questions about tribal funding
Summary
The Public Schools of Robeson County board voted unanimously to approve moving and then approving a Title VI (Indian Education) grant application after trustees raised concerns that recent federal recognition of a local tribe could allow the tribe to apply separately and affect district funding; trustees asked staff to pursue contingency planning and tribal consultation.
The Public Schools of Robeson County board voted unanimously April 20 to move a Title VI grant application to the action portion of its agenda and to approve the application.
Dr. Connie Locklear, presenting the Title VI update, told trustees the grant’s majority of funds are intended to support staff who work on student outcomes and cultural awareness. Several trustees noted the district’s recent conversations with a federally recognized tribe and asked whether the tribe could apply independently for federal education funds, potentially reducing the district’s Title VI allocation.
“Once that work is done, yes, the intent is for that to happen,” Dr. Locklear said in response to questions about whether the tribe could pursue Bureau of Indian Education or Johnson‑O’Malley funding independently. Board members pressed for contingency planning and timely tribal consultation so the district can understand and respond to any change in funding.
Trustees highlighted the local student demographics during debate. One trustee said American Indian students make up a majority of the district’s enrollment and that the possible shift of federal funds could “have a huge impact on the program that we have in the district.” The meeting transcript contained inconsistent numeric references to enrollment; the board did not provide an unambiguous, single enrollment count on the record during the discussion.
After discussion, Dr. Emanuel moved to place the Title VI application on the action agenda; the motion received the required two‑thirds support and passed. In the action vote that followed, the board approved the Title VI grant application unanimously (motion by Dr. Emanuel; second by Mr. Craig Lowry).
Board members asked administration to continue tribal consultation and to develop contingency planning for the Title VI program should a tribe apply independently for similar federal funds. No specific contingency funding source or dollar amount was identified during the meeting.
The board also set the Title VI grant application as Action Item A to be considered first during the action portion of the meeting.
