Fountain Hills board holds public hearing on Native American education; grants, cultural center and parent committee highlighted

The Fountain Hills Unified School Governing Board suspended its regular meeting for a public hearing on Native American education, where Dr. Jay reviewed grant activity and community engagement efforts.

Dr. Jay told the board the district's Prop 202 application was not approved last year because it was "too specific" and staff are revising it for a resubmission due April 24; the district plans to direct any Prop 202 funding toward a Fountain Hills High School Cultural Center if awarded. He said the Title VI grant was approved for 2024 to hire a Native American specialist; the position has been posted and interviewed for but remains open, and the continuation application for next year is due 05/10/2024.

The presentation noted other funding activity: the district's Impact Aid application for 2025 has been completed and is under review. Dr. Jay described a newly formed Native American parent committee of 11 members that has been meeting to revise policies and bylaws and provide broader community input; board member Nelson and teacher Yolanda Nez are among committee participants. He said the parent committee will help shape communications and surveys aimed at increasing participation from Native American families.

Dr. Jay also reported participation data: Native American students took part in 12 of 15 athletic programs, with highest participation in girls' basketball, softball and boys' basketball, and lowest in wrestling, baseball and cross-country. He said the district has run cultural activities such as a campfire and story time and plans to resume cultural awareness training next year.

A board member asked whether the district risks losing grant funding while the specialist remains unfilled; Dr. Jay said the district will reapply and is ensuring the hiring process results in the right candidate.

The district presented the hearing as informational to gather community input; no formal board action was taken during the hearing itself. The board reconvened the regular meeting after public questions were addressed.