School districts on Minnesota reservations, such as Red Lake, Mahnomen and Nett Lake, rely heavily on federal funding, with about 40% of per-pupil funding coming from the federal government. This funding includes sources such as Title I and special education funding, as well as Title VII federal impact aid, which is awarded to schools located near federally owned land. In 2024, a total of $16.3 million in Title VII funding was awarded statewide, with the majority going to six school districts, including Red Lake, Mahnomen, and Nett Lake. This funding is intended to help cover the loss of property tax revenue and provide additional assistance to children with disabilities.
The dependence on federal funding for reservation schools highlights the unique challenges faced by these communities in providing quality education to Native American students. Despite receiving a significant amount of federal support, these schools still struggle with limited resources and funding constraints. As schools work to address the educational needs of Native American students, it is important for policymakers to consider the impact of federal funding on reservation schools and advocate for equitable support for all students, regardless of their background.
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