Hillsboro School District families with tribal affiliations can help shape district programs at the Native American/Alaska Native Parent Advisory Committee's kickoff meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The session runs 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the HSD Administration Center, 3083 NE 49th Place in Hillsboro.

Food and drinks will be provided.

The committee, known as NAPAC, is not new. It presented a report to the school board during an April 14 work session, with Francesca Sinapi, the district's equity, access and engagement officer, delivering the presentation. But Wednesday's gathering marks the start of its 2026–27 meeting cycle and an open invitation for parents who haven't participated before.

NAPAC advises the district on its Title VI program, which supports academic performance for American Indian and Alaska Native students, according to district records. The committee makes recommendations on policies, project proposals and services. It also gathers input from families on culturally specific programming.

NAPAC works with the district's Office of Federal Programs to raise student achievement, increase family engagement in schools and strengthen collaboration between educators and parents. Members are parent volunteers who generally represent schools with higher concentrations of students eligible for Title VI services.

Maria Celino, the district's Title VI coordinator for the Native American and Alaska Native Education Program, serves as staff liaison. NAPAC is one of several parent advisory committees the district runs for specific communities. The Latino Parent Advisory Committee held a separate meeting Sept. 10 on Google Meet.

Families interested in future NAPAC meetings can visit the district's Native American/Alaska Native community page or contact Celino at 503-844-1500, ext. 70047.