Established in 2018, the task force is charged with the following:

  • Creation of a reference guide outlining all state and federal requirements of school districts with regard to working with tribal partners, including but not limited to ESSA tribal consultation; government-to-government memorandums of understanding; Since Time Immemorial curriculum; and tribal compact schools.
  • Identification of best practices currently in place in Washington’s school districts.
  • Update and expansion of the WSSDA government-to-government resource webpage.
  • Dissemination of a reference guide, resource webpage, and best practices.
  • Training and support for districts in the implementation of these materials.

Members

Government-to-Government Task Force Members
Name Director Area/Agency School District
Anna Armstrong, Tribal Ambassador & Chair 9 Cusick
Charles Adkins 1 Everett
Meghan Jernigan 2 Shoreline
Nancy Armstrong-Montes 7 Nespelem
Larry Garcia 8 Mount Adams
Bridget Desautel 9 Inchelium
Drake Wynne 9 Wellpinit
Henry Strom OSPI-ONE*
Maxine Alex OSPI-ONE*
Patty Wood State Board of Education
Michelle Choate WSSDA

*Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction – Office of Native Education

Frequency of Meetings

Whenever possible, in person meetings shall take place in conjunction with the WSSDA Annual Conference and WSSDA Legislative Assembly. Most meetings take place via conference call. Other meetings, including site visits to districts, occur as deemed necessary by the chair.

Duration of Task Force

The Government-to-Government Task Force shall be subject to annual review and renewal in accordance with WSSDA Operating Policy 2120.

Task Force Support

Michelle Choate
Administrative Support Officer
360-252-3002