Indigenous Students Excel Parity Act

Full Title:
Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), to carry out two studies and report to Congress within 1 year. The first study must examine updating the Indian School Equalization Formula (ISEF) so Bureau-funded schools and tribally controlled schools have sufficient funding. The study must consider pay and benefits so teacher, principal, and staff pay is at least equal to the higher of (A) the top quartile or State-by-State average public school salaries for comparable positions, or (B) the Department of Defense teacher pay rate under the Defense Department Overseas Teachers Pay and Personnel Practices Act. The study must also consider adjustments (weights or ratios) for tribally controlled schools, schools with fewer than 100 students, and rural schools. The bill specifically directs that Havasupai Elementary School be given an additional cost factor of 12.5 Weighted Student Units in any updated formula. The Secretary must submit a report describing whether the current ISEF and program meet needs and recommend changes.

The second required study must identify potential revenue sources to bring Bureau-funded schools into parity with other schools. The reports must be submitted to Congress and made publicly available to Indian Tribes. Definitions for terms such as "Bureau-funded school," "tribally controlled school," and "Indian Tribe" are included.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a student, teacher, staff member, or leader at a Bureau-funded or tribally controlled school: the bill orders studies that look at whether school funding and pay should be raised to match non-BIE public schools and certain Department of Defense teacher pay rules. The bill itself does not change pay or funding; it requires analysis and recommendations.
  • If you represent a tribe or tribal school: the bill requires consultation with national organizations representing tribes and students for the report, and the reports must be made publicly available to tribes.
  • If you are a member of Congress or a public reader: you will receive reports on the adequacy of the ISEF, recommended changes, and possible revenue sources within 1 year of enactment.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs or on specific appropriations. The bill does not include dollar amounts or authorize specific funding in the text provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.