Board hears equity update and Title VI grant plans to fund cultural and academic supports

The Stanwood-Camano School District board received an equity update on June 16 and discussion of a pending Title VI grant application to support American Indian and Alaska Native students.

Presenters described equity activities that will include continued student panels and expanded family input and said the district is pursuing a Title VI grant that would provide per-pupil funding for identified students. "When our grant is approved, we'll be able to host cultural events," one presenter said, noting proposed uses would include cultural celebrations, after-school academic supports and curriculum implementation.

Officials said the district currently estimates about 55 students would qualify for Title VI funding based on completed parent identification forms and that projected funding for the district's cohort amounted, in an exchange at the meeting, to "a figure just north of $16,000" (participants clarified during the discussion whether that figure represented a per-pupil amount or the total award). Presenters cautioned that indigenous student identification is often underreported on enrollment forms and that actual counts could be higher.

A parent advisory committee composed of families identified for Title VI was described as the proposed partner in spending decisions. Staff also referenced required curriculum elements and implementation supports discussed in the meeting.

Why it matters: Title VI funding would provide a dedicated resource stream for a population the district said is currently under-identified. Board members expressed strong support for the effort and asked for follow-up details on identification counts and proposed spending priorities from the parent advisory committee.

The board did not vote on grant submission at this meeting. District staff said they will continue outreach to identify eligible students and return with refined numbers and a spending plan.