As will be the case on Jan. 26, the La Conner School District holds an annual public hearing to review and discuss Indian education policies and procedures on its campuses.

But it’s really a conversation that takes place throughout the year.

Those policies and procedures assure that the district’s Native American students have equal access to programs, services and activities offered within the school district and are the result of regular collaboration among La Conner Schools, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) representatives and parents of native students.

“We receive input from a variety of groups,” said La Conner Schools Superintendent David Cram, citing the SITC Senate, Swinomish Tax Committee, and Native American Parent Advisory Committee, the latter of which meets a minimum three times per year.

“Our communication with Swinomish makes sure that the tribe has a voice in how students are educated,” added Beth Clothier, the district’s director of teaching and learning.

Next Monday’s public hearing addressing the six-point La Conner Schools Indian Policies & Procedures (IPP) document is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. in the school district office board room.

The district’s IPP mandates open dialogue related to topics in education and assessments of the extent to which Native American children participate on an equal basis with non-native youth in the district’s education programs and activities.

Written district responses to comments and recommendations made by tribal representatives or parents of Native American children are likewise required.

As Cram stated, the document is designed to be flexible, allowing for modifications and adjustments when necessary.

It has proved durable as well. The La Conner Schools IPP has been in effect for many years, recalled retired La Conner Schools Director of Special Programs Andy Wheeler.

“Basic policy was done before I came,” said Wheeler, who retired in 2023 after nine years with the district. “I think we did some small tweaks through the years. Then they were tweaked by somebody at the tribe, usually (former Swinomish Director of Education) Michael Vendiola.”

Loran James, Vendiola’s successor as Swinomish education director, said collaboration between the school district and tribe on the annual IPP reviews reflects a long-established bond.

“Swinomish and La Conner have a relationship that’s like no other,” said James, a former La Conner teacher who currently serves as the district’s high school softball coach.

“We work together to assure that the needs of the kids are met. That’s my personal opinion,” said James, a son of the late Landy James, for whom the La Conner High gymnasium is named.

The annual IPP public hearing is also a requirement for La Conner Schools to receive federal impact aid funding from a program that provides financial assistance to public school districts with students residing on tax-exempt property such as military bases and Native American lands.

La Conner, Oak Harbor and Marysville are among the area school districts eligible for the federal support.

“Our impact aid grant is usually about $2 million (per year),” Cram said. “With an annual budget of $13 million, that’s quite impactful. And it’s money that goes to all students.”

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.