Indian Parent Advisory Committee Information
What is the IPAC?
The Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC), Title VI, advises the Seattle Public Schools 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.
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 Indian Parent Committee Minutes & Grant Information .
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 .
Join the Seattle Public Schools Title VI Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC)
All positions are open for the 2026-2027 school year
Who Can Join?
Parents and guardians of currently enrolled SPS Title VI Native students are welcome! Become a board member or participate by attending monthly meetings. *Elections take place in October 2026 for board positions.
Board Member duties include:
- Attending monthly meetings
- Volunteering at Native American Education events
- Sharing your ideas and expertise with SPS and the Native community
- Fundraising
- Advising on and approving the Title VI Grant programming and budget
Interested? Please fill out the IPAC interest form and we will contact you!
Indian Parent Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting Dates 2026-2027- TBD
Meetings are virtual (on Teams).
2025-26 IPAC Executive Board and Members-At-Large
- President (2025-26): Trina Nonis
- Vice President: Jason Smith
- Secretary: Vacant
- Teacher Representative: Danielle Vaillancourt
- At-large:
- Tonia Galindo
- Donna Hale-Wolcott
- Alayna Eagle Shield
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 receive academic support and cultural programming. These forms are kept confidential and your information will not be shared with outside parties.
We now have an easily accessible digital option that is confidential and secure and allows you to retain a copy of the 506 form for your records. The 506 form QR code should be available in your student’s first day of school take-home packet or you can click the link below.
Questions? Please email Kym Hogan kmhogan@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-0858 for assistance.
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. We will also be offering workshops in 2026-2027 to ensure families are informed on how to ensure their student is on the path to graduation.
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.
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.