DTLL: Indian School Equalization Program and Student Transportation (2021)

Dear Tribal Leader:

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has received informal comments from Tribes and schools expressing the need to "update" the Indian School Equalization Program (ISEP) as well as the ISEP Student Transportation formulas and respective distribution methodologies. In response to your comments, the BIE will host virtual Tribal listening sessions on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, and Thursday, April 22, 2021. After the listening sessions, BIE will schedule formal Tribal consultation to discuss specific recommendations for updating the ISEP and transportation formulas and regulations.  

The BIE also invites school boards, parents, Indian organizations, and other interested parties to participate in the listening sessions so that Tribes and BIE stakeholders may have the opportunity to discuss the need for updates not only with BIE representatives, but with other stakeholders.  

The sessions will be held:  

• Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Eastern Time  
• Thursday, April 22, 2021, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time  

Please register in advance using this link: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJitcOCtrDssHoGTORoUDpgOJstNrN…;

Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.  

Please submit written comments to consultation@bia.gov or to Ms. Emmalani Longenecker, 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Building 2 - Suite 352 Albuquerque, NM 87104, no later than Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. For information concerning the virtual listening sessions, please contact Ms. Emmalani Longenecker at emmalani.longenecker@bie.edu or (505) 563-5386.  

The BIE is committed to working with Tribal leaders and stakeholders to meet the needs of our students and looks forward to your valuable input and participation.  

Sincerely,  

Bryan Newland  

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs 

Resources: 

• Dear Tribal Leader Letter 
• ISEP Student Transportation 
• ISEP Formula Funds