A resolution opposing the Fixed-Based Funding and Fixed-based Count of the Johnson O’Malley Program of 1995.

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special education needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people; and

WHEREAS, NIEA, as the largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native educators, administrators, parents, and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Native people; and

WHEREAS, through its unique political relationship with Indian nations and tribes, the federal government has established education program resources to meet the educational needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives residing both on and off their reserved or non-reserved homelands; and

WHEREAS, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has imposed a fixed-based funding of the Johnson O’Malley Program indefinitely; and

WHEREAS, no other education program in any federal agency has imposed a fixed based formula to State and Tribal programs for Indian children; and

WHEREAS, the student count for the Johnson O’Malley does not include eligible Indian students currently enrolled in schools; and

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association has noted that American Indian student population has increased and will continue to increase within the Nations schools; and

WHEREAS, for which Johnson O’Malley funding adjustments are not possible under the current method of funding; and

WHEREAS, Congress has identified American Indian students pre-K through 12th grade as being the most “at-risk” student population for academic success in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the current fixed-based funding of October 1995 creates a financial hardship for Indian Education programs to assist with the “specialized and unique educational needs of eligible Indian students” to achieve the States’ high academic standards; and

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association seeks congressional support in removing the “Fixed Based Funding and Fixed Based Count imposed in October 1995”; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL INDIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION seeks support to bring forward the vote of Congress to remove the Johnson O’Malley “Fixed-Based Funding and Fixed-based Count”.

SUBMITTED BY: Kathy Savalla, Shoshone-Paiute

CERTIFICATION

I do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly considered and passed by the NIEA membership assembled at its annual convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at which a quorum was present during th meeting held October 28- November 1, 2000.