The American Indian Parent Advisory shared their annual update during the February Big Lake School Board meeting. 

American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) is granted by the state to the school district based on their ability to meet specific criteria to help American Indian students. The Big Lake School District has 67 American Indian students enrolled. The support provided to these students through the school includes an American Indian Education Coordinator, the parent advisory committee, and direct support such as college preparation, field trips, and driver’s education. 

The parental advisory committee has grown a lot in the past year, from three members to 18. 

The American Indian Parental Advisory Committee votes every year as to whether the district is meeting the needs of American Indian students, and they have voted this year that the district is doing so. 

Financial Report

The enrollment increased by seven students over the past month, which is good for the school because there is a direct correlation between the number of enrolled students and the amount of funding the schools receive from the state. 

Over the past three years, the school has been upgrading equipment for the school cafeterias. Business Manager Angie Manuel noted that it’s been nice to have a healthy fund balance while they make these much-needed improvements in the kitchens. Coming up this year, the district plans to refurbish the kitchen flooring in the middle school, high school, and Liberty elementary schools. 

Alyssa Wachsman was introduced as the new Director of Dining Services for the school district. She shared a new “Global Eats” program, as well as a hydroponics program to grow fresh herbs. The board members asked about the hydroponics program and were surprised to know that a good portion of the food served to students was made on site, not just pre-made frozen food that was shipped in and warmed up, although that does also make up a significant portion of the food. 

Manuel next presented staffing requests to the board. They would like to hire for two new full-time positions, one in the high school and one at Independence Elementary. 

The contract the district had with their auditor, Bergan KDV, has just finished its three-year term, and so the school board elected to renew for another three years. Accepting a three-year bid protects the district from annual price increases. 

In Other Business, the Board: 

• Heard the results of recent radon testing, which did not show actionable levels of radon;

• Approved the schedule for the 2025-2026 school year;

• Looked at a rendering of the new Middle School media center, which will be updated this year.