American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) Bylaws
For School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools)
Article I: Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
The committee shall be known as the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee (AIPAC) of School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools).
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of AIPAC is to support efforts to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of American Indian students so that they can meet state academic achievement standards. The committee:
- Serves in an advisory capacity to School District 197.
- Ensures educational equity and cultural relevance for American Indian students.
- Oversees, advises, and evaluates programming under Title VI.
Article II: Mission & Vision
Mission
To build meaningful relationships through family and student engagement within the school and community while improving Native student achievement, retention, and graduation rates through culturally responsive instruction and respect for values and traditions.
Vision
American Indian students are empowered to reach their full potential through educational experiences that honor and uplift their cultural identities.
Article III: Legal Foundation
- Minnesota Statute 124D.78 requires an AIPAC in districts and tribal schools with 10 or more American Indian students.
- Title VI Indian Education Act of 1972 provides funding and structure for programming aimed at meeting the distinct cultural and academic needs of American Indian students.
Article IV: Duties & Responsibilities
The AIPAC for School District 197 will:
- Identify culturally related academic needs of American Indian students.
- Develop and approve goals and plans for the American Indian Education Aid.
- Oversee and approve the Title VI grant application, budget, and reports.
- Monitor grant and program implementation to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Recommend improvements and new initiatives.
- Collaborate with district administrators, staff, and community stakeholders.
- Meet regularly throughout the school year.
- Maintain transparency in actions and spending.
Article V: Committee Structure
Section 1: Eligibility
Committee members may include:
- Parents or legal guardians of American Indian students (majority).
- Community members with a vested interest in American Indian education.
- School District 197 staff (at least one).
- Secondary student representative(s) (recommended but optional).
Section 2: Composition & Size
- A minimum of 3 members.
- Majority must be American Indian parents/guardians.
Section 3: Elections & Terms
- Annual elections, held at the beginning of the school year.
- Terms are for one school year, with re-election possible.
Section 4: Vacancies & Removal
- Vacancies are filled by a majority vote of the committee.
- Members or officers may be removed by majority vote for cause, with advance written notice.
Article VI: Officers
Officer Roles:
- Chairperson: Assists the American Indian Education Coordinator in creating agenda and leading monthly meetings, signs official documents, liaises with School District 197 staff. Chair will attend all AIPAC meetings and possibly additional meetings with school district staff throughout the year as needed.
- Vice-Chairperson: Assumes Chair’s duties in their absence.
- Secretary: Records minutes, handles notices, maintains attendance and documentation.
- One Officer must sit on the district’s Curriculum Advisory Committee to represent the American Indian students in the district.
Officer Election & Terms:
- Officers are elected by majority vote annually.
- Officers begin their roles immediately upon election.
- Vacancies are filled by committee vote and serve out the remainder of the term.
Article VII: Meetings
- AIPAC shall meet at least six times during the academic year.
- Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed by the Chair, American Indian Coordinator, or majority of the committee.
- A quorum is a simple majority of active members.
Meeting agenda typically includes:
- Noting Meeting Attendance
- Old Business & Updates
- New Business
- Reports (committee, coordinator, district staff, etc.)
- Open Discussion
- Adjournment
Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or at a mutually agreed-upon location within School District 197 facilities or platforms.
Article VIII: Bylaws and Amendments
- Bylaws will be reviewed and ratified annually.
- Amendments require a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the full committee.
- No amendment may violate federal law, Title VI regulations, or School District 197 policies.
Article IX: Ratification
These bylaws become effective upon approval by a majority vote of the committee and acknowledgment by School District 197 leadership. Amendments or full rewrites must be documented and signed accordingly.
Signature Page
Approved on the ______ day of ______________, 2025, by the AIPAC and School District 197 (West St. Paul–Mendota Heights–Eagan Area Schools) representatives:
- _____________________________, AIPAC Chair
- _____________________________, AIPAC Vice-Chair or Secretary
- _____________________________, Title VI Indian Education Coordinator
- _____________________________, Superintendent or Educational Equity Coordinator
_____________________________, School Board Representative (if applicable)
