The Northfield School District Board of Education has unveiled an ambitious plan to enhance educational services for American Indian students, aiming to significantly improve attendance and academic achievement. During the regular meeting on January 27, 2025, Director of Instructional Services Hope Langston and Indigenous Family Cultural Liaison Sybil Bitten Singer presented a comprehensive overview of the district's American Indian Education Program, which is designed to honor and integrate the cultural identities of Indigenous students.

The program's mission focuses on providing quality education that respects traditional values while preparing students for lifelong success. Key initiatives include increasing student attendance from 76.2% to 90% and boosting graduation rates to 95%. The district is committed to identifying and removing barriers to school attendance, enhancing access to college resources, and offering tutoring support for at-risk students.

Langston highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping the program, noting that the district serves families from 16 tribes, with the majority belonging to five Minnesota tribes. The plan includes culturally relevant field trips and linguistic support through programs like Rosetta Stone, responding directly to requests from families for language preservation.

The board also discussed measurable outcomes, such as ensuring that 70% of students are proficient in reading and math by the end of third, sixth, and eighth grades. Additionally, the district aims to foster a positive self-image among Indigenous students, with a goal of 80% reporting no behavioral concerns.

In a forward-looking statement, the board emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development for staff, including an upcoming session with renowned speaker Anton Treuer, aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and educational practices.

As the district moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on building strong relationships with families and ensuring that Indigenous students feel seen, heard, and supported in their educational journeys. The board's commitment to these goals reflects a broader effort to close achievement gaps and promote equity within the school community.