American Indian Parent Advisory Committees

Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.78, subdivision 1, states that a school district in which there are 10 or more American Indian students enrolled and each American Indian school must establish an American Indian education parent advisory committee. Commonly referred to as American Indian Parent Advisory Committees (AIPACs), these committees serve in an advisory role and help ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. These committees are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide, and offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen district and parent partnerships. 

Determining the Need for an AIPAC

Districts and schools report their American Indian student counts directly to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), via their chosen reporting platform, on the October 1 MARSS reporting deadline. MDE uses the student count information reported on this date to determine those who are required to have an AIPAC in the subsequent school year. For example, students that are reported as American Indian on October 1, 2020 determine who needs an AIPAC in SY2021-22. Districts and charter schools will be informed of their AIPAC requirement prior to the start of each school year.

AIPAC Membership

AIPACs must be primarily comprised of parents or guardians of American Indian students within the district, charter school, or tribal school. Other eligible committee member include American Indian secondary students, American Indian district staff, and American Indian community members. Additionally, family members of American Indian students, such as grandparents or older siblings, are also eligible to serve on this committee. Non-Native district staff may participate in the AIPAC meetings, but they are not permitted to be voting committee members, and should not be included on the AIPAC roster. District staff should not outnumber committee members at meetings.

The AIPAC and District Partnership

AIPACs serve in an advisory role to the district, and help to ensure that American Indian students are receiving culturally relevant and equitable educational opportunities. AIPACs are critical to the achievement and success of American Indian students statewide, and their presence, input, and knowledge is key to strengthening district and parent partnerships. For the AIPAC to make informed decisions, the district must afford the committee the information and data needed to make sound recommendations. This information includes, but is not limited to, testing data, attendance data, graduation rates, and student count information.

To enhance the district and AIPAC partnership, the Office of American Indian Education encourages the use of the self-assessment rubric (see Resources below). This resource is a valuable tool that can be used to evaluate current services to American Indian students and their families, and it should be used collaboratively to ensure the unique academic and culturally related needs of American Indian students are met. 

The Resolution of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence (Annual Compliance)

Prior to March 1 of each year, the AIPAC must meet to discuss whether or not they concur with the educational offerings that have been extended by the district to American Indian students. If the AIPAC finds that the district and/or school board have been meeting the needs of American Indian students, they issue a vote and resolution of concurrence. If they find that the district and/or school board have not been meeting the needs of American Indian students, they issue a vote and resolution of nonconcurrence. 
 
The vote is reflected formally on documentation provided by the OAIE (see Resources below). The vote and resolution must be presented to the school board by one or more members of the AIPAC. If the vote is one of nonconcurrence, the AIPAC must also provide written recommendations for improvement to the school board at the time of the presentation. The school board does not “approve” the resolution. They receive the information and it is reflected within the board minutes. In the case of nonconcurrence, the school board is given 60 days in which to respond, in writing, to the AIPAC recommendations. The board response must be signed by the entire school board and be provided to the AIPAC and submitted to the Office of American Indian Education.
 

Recommended Timeline for Completion:

January
  • The AIPAC meets to issue their vote, sign their vote and resolution documents, and fill out the AIPAC roster.
  • District staff assist the committee with getting on the next available school board agenda.
February
  • The AIPAC presents their vote and resolution, in person, to the school board at the assigned board meeting.
  • The school board chair, superintendent and AIPAC chair sign the required documents.
Due on March 1

What if Our District Doesn't Have an AIPAC?

Forming an AIPAC is an valuable opportunity for districts and schools to learn and grow in partnership with American Indian students, families and community members. With thoughtful and intentional outreach and collaboration, American Indian students will flourish within your district, and when American Indian students do better, the school community does better. Those that are new to needing an AIPAC will receive targeted assistance, tailored to each district or schools specific circumstances. Initial outreach will be provided just prior to the start of the school year, and will continue until an AIPAC has been formed. 

Resources

  • American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Roster - 12/4/20
    This roster is due each fall with American Indian Education Aid applications, and on March 1 with annual compliance.
  • Annual Compliance - 12/3/20
    Due annually on March 1
  • Self-Assessment Rubric - 8/17/20
    The self-assessment rubric is a tool for evaluating current services to American Indian students and their families. This resource should be used collaboratively to ensure the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian students are met.