Parents pushing for change for American Indian students showed up at the Duluth School Board meeting last week. Members of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) took a vote of non-concurrence,, which signals they don’t believe the needs of their students are being met.

They also prepared a list of over a dozen recommendations.

On Wednesday, WDIO spoke with Assistant Superintendent Anthony Bonds. He said they take to heart what families share with them, and recognize they haven’t always met the needs of students. “We are striving to improve things.”

In fact, two of the recommendations from last year are underway now. There’s an Indigenous Cohort at Denfeld, and an additional coordinator for Ojibwe Learning and Culture.

Bonds said they also make sure American Indian students are part of their Check and Connect program, which helps with graduation. And they try and identify students early on, who may need support with reading and math.

The new American Indian Education Coordinator, Sheila White, is excited to work with families. She started in January.

The district will respond to the new set of recommendations within 60 days, which will be at the April 22nd meeting.