The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community this week deepened its support for local education, contributing $540,000 to the La Conner School District and extending a key partnership agreement by five years.
The La Conner School Board at its Monday breakfast meeting accepted the annual contribution from Swinomish and approved a five-year extension of the district’s current interlocal agreement with the Tribal community.
“Education is important to us and to the community as a whole,” Swinomish Senate Chairman Steve Edwards, a 1979 La Conner High School graduate, told board members and district administrators at the outset of the session.
“I was glad to be able to attend today,” Edwards said. “If there’s any way we can help in the future, just reach out and we’ll try to find a way.”
This year’s Swinomish support includes a corps of Tribal-funded paraeducators and the two-part cash donation accepted Monday.
District leaders noted that $500,000 of the Swinomish contribution is unrestricted. The remaining $40,000 will be earmarked for the purchase of interactive mobile technology in La Conner classrooms.
“This is a very generous donation,” said board President Susie Deyo, “and our appreciation goes out to the Swinomish Tribe and Senate for this contribution.”
La Conner Schools Superintendent David Cram concurred.
“It’s greatly appreciated,” Cram said. “The technology update is very much needed.”
Edwards noted the historic ties between Swinomish and La Conner Schools.
“We all grew up here,” he said. “We can’t let the channel separate us. We’ve always accepted one another, so I’m glad we’re reconnecting again. I’m very thankful that we’re able to have that commitment.”
“We’ll always be here for the district,” Edwards added, “because education is important to us.”
Board members J.J. Wilbur and Alana Quintasket, both of whom serve with Edwards on the Swinomish Senate, pointed out the unique cross-cultural opportunities available to La Conner students because of the interaction between the school district and tribal community.
“It’s important for all of our students to be able to celebrate different cultures,” Wilbur said. “We appreciate that.”
“It’s important that we have this connection,” Quintasket said. “I’m really proud of the relationship we have. And it’s not a common relationship. We have it, but other places are not as tight knit. Here, we take care of one another.”
Deyo said the school district-Tribal community relationship is regularly modeled for students. A prime example occurred prior to Monday’s meeting when Edwards joined the board and district administrators to greet students as they returned to campus from spring break.
“It’s a special relationship,” Deyo said, “and we’re demonstrating that to the students.”
Bill Reynolds: bill@laconnercommunitynews.org. Bill is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
