What is the IPAC?

The Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC), Title VI, advises the Seattle School district on the Native Education Title VI Indian Education Grant. The IPAC is part of the approval process for the grant application, proposed budget, and amendments (changes) to the application. Being essential stakeholders, members of the IPAC represent those who directly benefit from the programming of the Title VI grant. The parent committee must assist in the development and approval of the annual grant for our district to receive federal funding.

Indian Parent Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting Dates

Our first meeting is on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Meetings are virtual (on Teams) and held the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. and are open to the public.

IPAC Executive Board and Members-At-Large 2024-25 Election in October

Interested in running for office? All positions are up for election for 2024-25. See the IPAC Bylaws for position descriptions, terms, and responsibilities. All parents and legal guardians of current SPS Native students with valid 506 forms onfile are eligible to run for office.

Election processes and timelines will be posted soon. Check back!

President Clysta Cole (year 2 of a 2-year term)
Vice President Tonia Galindo
Secretary Lisa McCaul
Teacher Representative Danielle Vaillancourt
Members at large: Brian Vann, Trina Nonis, Heather Puri, Donna Hale-Wolcott, Addie Rolnick

Parent FAQs

Why do you want me to sign a 506 form for my child?

These forms are part of the Title VI federal program that ensures the government is providing quality education for Native students as required by Tribal treaties. Every form increases funding for our program and helps all Native students get academic support and cultural programming. These forms are kept confidential and your information will not be shared with outside parties. Though you only need to submit the form once, it doesn’t hurt to turn it in again if you are unsure.

506 forms should be available in your student’s first day of school take-home packet. Please complete and sign the form and return it according to your student’s school instructions.

If you do not receive a copy from your school, please download the form, complete it, and return it to the Native American Education Office:

• 506 Form
• Instructions and Example 506 Form
• Tribal Directory
• Alaska Native Confederation Directory

Please email the Executive Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction Cashel Toner cctoner@seattleschools.org, who can direct you to who can best serve you.

Can you help my student with credit retrieval?

Please contact us to discuss credit retrieval options. Our goal is for all students to graduate high school ready for career, college, or both.

What is Since Time Immemorial, and how does it help my child?

Since Time Immemorial is a state-mandated tribal history and culture curriculum, which all schools in the state must utilize. All 29 Washington tribes have endorsed its importance and use.

Seattle Public Schools works on a government-to-government basis with their federally recognized partner tribes: the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and the Suquamish Indian Tribe.

Learn more about Seattle Public Schools Since Time Immemorial and American Indian Studies resources…

How do I volunteer?

Please fill out a volunteer application and return it to either your school site or a liaison with the SPS Native Education department. For the safety of all students, volunteers must go through a background check (WATCH system), be fingerprinted and have a valid form of picture ID.

Please note that while all volunteers must be screened through the district background check system, criminal history does not automatically disqualify school volunteers.

More about the SPS Native Ed Indian Parent Advisory Committee.

The Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC), Title VI advises the Seattle School district in regard to the Native Education Title VI Indian Education Grant. The IPAC is part of the approval process for the grants application, proposed budget, and amendments to the application. The IPAC is comprised of 15 voting members. Other parents can attend and have input, but they will be represented as Members at Large (non-voting). Meetings are open to the public and minutes are recorded then posted on the website for all of the public to access. Meeting minutes can be found on the Title IV Education page.

 The IPAC cannot:

• View confidential 506 forms or individual student information.
• Set policies and procedures for the Native American Education Manager.
• Develop by-laws that are not consistent or approved by Seattle Public Schools and/or the Native American Education Manager.
• Hire, fire, or supervise the Native American Education Manager or their staff.
• Obligate or commit funds to the Native American Education Manager.
• Directly administer projects or leverage the program for self-benefit.

For more information, view the Office of Indian Education’s Title VI District and Indian Parent Advisory Committee Roles and Responsibilities .

Changing your student’s documented ethnicity

If there has been an enrollment-related issue with your student’s documented ethnicity, you can go to Seattle School’s Enrollment page and use the ” Change of Ethnicity” document link.