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Seattle Public Schools / Departments / Native American Education / Indian Parent Advisory Committee Information (IPAC) / Title VI Indian Parent Committee Minutes & Grant Information / 2026-9-10 IPAC Meeting Minutes

2026-9-10 IPAC Meeting Minutes

2026-9-10 IPAC Meeting Minutes

Seattle Public Schools Native Education
Title Vl, Indian Parent Advisory Committee (IPAC)
Teams Meeting
Thursday, September 10, 2026
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

In attendance: IPAC Leadership & Members Present

  • Trina Nonis, President
  • Jason Smith, Vice President
  • Danielle Vaillancourt, Teacher Representative

Seattle Public Schools Staff Present

  • Georgina Badoni, Native Education Programming Manager
  • Kymberly Hogan, Title VI Coordinator
  • Victoria Hildebrand, Consulting Teacher
1. Call to Order

Trina Nonis called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. Introductions were omitted because the attendees were already acquainted.

2. Approval of Previous Minutes

Jason Smith moved to approve the June meeting minutes. Danielle R. Vaillancourt seconded the motion. The June minutes were approved as written. Trina Nonis will send the approved minutes to Kim for posting on the public website.

3. Board Elections and Recruitment

Members were reminded that elections will be held at the next meeting and that all board positions are open. Trina Nonis and Jason Smith stated that they are unable to continue serving during the next school year. Members discussed outreach to prospective parent, educator, and elder representatives, including families from South End and Central schools, educators at Ingraham, and other community contacts. A parent who attempted to join this meeting but experienced technical difficulties was encouraged to attend the election meeting.

4. Native Education Program Update

Georgina Badoni reported that Native Education is expected to move under a new Special Populations structure. An executive director recruitment process is underway. Eric Guerci has left the district for a position in Albuquerque, creating a gap in cross-department communication. District leadership is also increasing the visibility, accountability, and implementation expectations associated with Since Time Immemorial.

Levi’s classroom at Jane Addams moved to the first floor near the main office, and he is co-teaching seventh-grade history. Tara McFarland has joined the work supporting student data review, high-school and ninth-grade monitoring, and monthly parent advocacy sessions. The program intends to use earlier data review to identify graduation risks and help families understand pathways, credits, and advocacy options.

5. Student Support and Special Education

The group discussed a future parent session on special education, including IEP participation, points of contact, parent rights, and district processes. Members recommended including an independent special-education or parent-rights advocate in addition to district staff. Jason Smith asked to participate in the planning discussion, and Georgina Badoni agreed to keep him informed.

6. Ocean to Table Exchange

Planning is proceeding for the Ocean to Table exchange with Chief Kitsap Academy. Logistics discussions are addressing transportation and lodging. Ten Ingraham students have been invited for the pilot, and Chief Kitsap Academy students are expected to participate in Ingraham homecoming activities in October.

7. Cultural Programming and Curriculum

A Native elder and artist engagement at Lowell is moving forward through an arts grant and revised district processes that better recognize elders’ and Native artists’ expertise. Members also discussed possible weekend programming on plant teachings, land and water teachings, ribbon-skirt and ribbon-shirt making, and waterfront activities. Danielle R. Vaillancourt raised the possibility of making plant teachings available as an approved social-emotional learning resource or professional-development option so that teachers receive consistent school support.

8. Graduation Support

Kymberly M. Hogan reported that 33 seniors were identified as at risk of not graduating during the prior school year. With Tara McFarland’s assistance, approximately half graduated; three transferred out of the district, and the remaining 15 stayed in district programs, many through Bridges Transition. The team plans to identify and address credit and pathway concerns earlier, including beginning in middle school.

9. Title VI Enrollment and 506 Forms

The district has identified 1,030 Native students, including 407 Title VI students, compared with 425 Title VI students in the prior year. Nearly 40 new 506 forms have already been processed. The digital form is proving more accurate and efficient than paper forms, but some schools continue to distribute paper copies.

Members discussed directing families to the digital form, educating school leaders and front-office staff, adding a QR code and explanatory language to outreach materials, and using school and community events to reach eligible families. Completed 506 forms do not need to be resubmitted annually.

10. Upcoming Events

The first culture night of the school year is scheduled for September 29 at the district office auditorium and will feature the SounderBots high-school robotics team. No October culture night is planned because of possible Ocean to Table activities. A November culture night and a December holiday gathering are planned. Salmon Homecoming was also announced for September 19 on the waterfront.

11. Meeting Access and Communications

Members discussed providing an alternate telephone number and meeting code for participants who cannot access Teams. Kymberly M. Hogan will add call-in information to the IPAC website and send a TalkingPoints reminder before the next meeting. Victoria L. Hildebrand and Kymberly M. Hogan will help the interested parent test Teams access before the election meeting.

12. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

Prepared from the September 10, 2026 meeting transcript.