Suquamish News, June 2013

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Suquamish News

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A monthly publication of the Suquamish Tribe

2013 Tribal Journeys Page 12

Volume 13 June 2013 Governor Inslee Signs Tribal Schools Compact Bill

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Provisions in new law allow tribal school students to be funded the same way as public school students A historic day for Indian Education passed with little fanfare in Washington State last month when newly elected Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1134 into law. The Tribal Schools Compact Bill, sponsored by Representative John McCoy (D) of Tulalip and several other prominent Washington legislators, makes it possible for tribal schools to receive funding for students in exactly the same way as other school districts across the state. Previously, tribes in Washington with education programs created individual MOU agreements with area School Districts, adding costly bureaucratic layers between students, classrooms and funding sources. Under the new law, tribes have the option of negotiating directly with the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for K-12 education funding. “The new bill allows Suquamish and other tribes in Washington State to receive the appropriate allocation of resources for the needs of their students,” said Suquamish Superintendent Joe Davalos. Davalos attended the bill signing on May 15, 2013 and testified before the legislature in support of the bill before lawmakers voted to approve it. In addition to the funds allocated to school districts for each individual student, tribal education programs are now eligible for special education, categorical and other nonbasic education funding. Resources that, according to educators, play a significant role in the overall success of a school.

Suquamish Superintendent Joe Davalos, third from right, with educators from across Indian Country in Washington State as Governor Jay Inslee, seated, signs House Bill 1134 into law. Directly left of Inslee is Representative John McCoy (D), sponsor of the bill.

Davalos said that there may be the possibility of expanding Chief Kitsap Academy (CKA) classes to junior high students. However, that possibility will depend on the number of youth interested in attending junior high at the tribal school. Currently, CKA teaches grades 8-12. In addition to CKA, the Suquamish Education Department also operates the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center and a comprehensive Higher Education Program for Suquamish Tribal Members.

After that, tribes must apply individually to OSPI for recognition. Compliance, certification and auditing are all required as a part of the process.

“I think this bill is really going to energize tribes to start building education programs,” said Davalos.

Davalos added that education programs don’t have to be big to receive state funding - pointing out an early learning program Squaxin Island plans to submit for through the new State/Tribal process.

Under the terms of the new law, OSPI has six months to establish application procedures for tribal education compacts.

Suquamish Education Department personnel will also be looking into the new program over the next few months.

Adventuress Visits Suquamish

Tall ship makes first of two port calls to Port Madison Indian Reservation this year The tall ship The Adventuress brought larger than average crowds to the Suquamish Dock on May 9, 2013.

Community members work together to dispose dangerous, unused prescriptions by Sergeant Mark Williams

On April 27, the Suquamish Police Department opened its doors to the public as part of the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration Office of Diversion Control’s National Take-Back Initiative – for four hours our officers collected over 40 pounds of unwanted, expired and otherwise unneeded medications. Along with collecting the drugs the officers had lengthy discussions with citizens about various crime prevention efforts led in our community by the Suquamish

The 100 year-old schooner, traveling alongside the Kitsap Peninsula for a multi-school education program, spent an impromptu night in Suquamish during her visit to the county.

See Take Back page 3...

In This Issue

Sound Experience, the organization who operates the vessel, teaches environmental education and leadership programs on the ship.

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The organization is also working with the Suquamish Museum and the Sports and Recreation Department to bring a cultural exchange opportunity to Suquamish youth in September 2013. As part of the program, participating junior high age students will have the opportunity to spend the night on the century-old schooner while it is docked in Suquamish. For more information on The Adventuress visit them online at Top row from left, Chalish Williams, Alana Chiefstick, Raven Roberts, Brandy Boure, Nika Chiquiti and Kayauna Cordero. Bottom row from left, Jaden Sigo, David Sigo III, Duke Underwood, Jaden www.soundexp.org Free, Oscar Silas, Mikayla Madayag and Awasis Williams.

Suquamish News

Drug Take Back Event a Huge Success

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Community Calendar

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Education

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Government

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Wellness & Traditions

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Sports & Recreation

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Business ................. 14 Elders ................. 17 Community & Notices

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Birthdays & Anniversaries ..................19 Vol. 13, No. 6


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Suquamish News, June 2013 by Suquamish Tribe - Issuu