Note: Minneapolis Schools Voices received the virtual link for the meeting after the meeting began. We are reporting on the parts of the meeting we were able to attend. 

Much of the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee was dedicated to announcements and engagement. 

Speakers discussed updates from the Davis Center, the American Indian Freedom School, updates from the Office of Family Engagement, and more. 

According to one speaker at the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee meeting, Tuesday was the first day that printing was available at the Davis Center following the encryption event that occurred in February. The same speaker also provided updates on the MPS superintendent search and budget process and urged parents to advocate at the legislature for a fully-funded MPS. 

“If MPS is not fully funded, next year and the years after will be really tough,” she said.

Another speaker provided updates on American Indian Education and an upcoming Achievement Celebration. According to one speaker, the Achievement Celebration invitations were able to be printed off and sent out on Tuesday, once the Davis Center printers were back online. 

The same speaker shared that professional development opportunities were held on March 3. According to feedback gathered, the professional development event was successful but lots of folks shared that they wanted non-special education staff as well as social workers to be present at events like the March 3 professional development event. 

Finally, one speaker shared that the American Indian Freedom School’s 50 spots filled up in less than 24 hours, as well as an additional 30. The summer 2023 freedom school will have 80 participants and several staff/student employment positions need to be filled. Applications for the American Indian Freedom School opened up on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. and the 80 people had signed up by Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. 

The next American Indian Parent Advisory Committee meeting will be held on April 11 at 5:30 p.m.