American Indian Parent Advisory Committee

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) is a group of parents, guardians, students, and community members who work together with the school district to support American Indian students. The committee ensures American Indian voices are included in decisions about programs, curriculum, and services.

Mission

The American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) partners with families, students, and schools to create positive experiences that honor and embrace the rich cultural heritage of the American Indian community. We work to support the holistic growth of American Indian students—culturally, academically, and socially—so they can reach their full potential.

Vision

We envision a school community where American Indian students walk in beauty—grounded in their traditions, supported by family and community, and empowered to succeed in every aspect of life. Our vision is an environment that values cultural heritage and fosters both academic excellence and holistic well-being.

Participation

The AIPAC is composed of parents or guardians of American Indian children. Parents or guardians of American Indian children should be the majority of the committee. AIPAC also benefits from the participation of American Indian secondary students, American Indian family members of enrolled students, and American Indian community members. If you belong to any of these groups, please consider joining the AIPAC. Non-Native district staff also participate. They advise the committee and assist with implementation of the American Indian Education Aid Plan. However, they may not be voting members.

The 2025-2026 school year is the first year in which Owatonna Public Schools formed an AIPAC for the purpose of applying for, receiving, and creating a plan for using American Indian Education Aid(AIEA). In this first year, the job of the AIPAC is to become familiar with AIEA resources and requirements, create bylaws, and draft an AIEA Plan. Drafting the AIEA Plan is led by AIPAC Members and its Chairperson. The AIEA Plan must address the following five areas:

• Area 1: Support Postsecondary Preparation for American Indian Pupils
• Area 2: Support the Academic Achievement of American Indian Pupils
• Area 3: Make Curriculum Relevant to the Needs, Interests, and Cultural Heritage of American Indian Pupils
• Area 4: Provide Positive Reinforcement of Self-Image of American Indian Pupils
• Area 5: Develop Intercultural Awareness Among Pupils, Parents, and Staff

During this school year, we meet on the following dates from 4:45 to 6:00pm:

September 29, 2025
December 1, 2025
February 23, 2026
April 27, 2026

Please consider joining us!