Interactive Map of Minnesota Public School Districts
Minnesota law authorizes special funding for public school districts (as well as charter schools, cooperatives and tribally controlled schools) that serve 20 or more students identifying as American Indian on October 1 of a school year (the date schools certify their student enrollment for the year). An eligible school district qualifies for funding equal to $40,000 for the first 20 eligible students + $500/ eligible student above the first 20. (In 2023, the Legislature increased these amounts from $20,000 and $358/student.) Qualifying school districts must apply for the funds by June 1 and comply with the statutory requirements of the funding, including development of a plan and prescriptions on the use of funds.
Minnesota public schools teach approximately 31,000 students identifying as American Indian (~3.5% of all Minnesota students). Consistently over the last four years, when tested, only 25% of these students meet or exceed statewide math proficiency standards and only 33% meet or exceed statewide reading proficiency standards.
ISD First Aid’s interactive map of American Indian Education Aid (AIEA) provides a clear, school-district-level view of eligible school districts and corresponding eligible funding levels. The map highlights which school districts serve the most students identifying as American Indian and the special resources available to those school districts. This tool is designed to help users explore fiscal trends, identify resources available for improving the reading and math skills of American Indian students and uncover key insights regarding their home school districts.
How to use the map
School districts that are eligible for American Indian Education Aid in 2025-26 are shown in green. The school districts with the most qualifying students are shown in the darkest green and the school districts with fewer qualifying students are shown in lighter shades. School districts that are not eligible are in gray. Hover over a school district to view the number of qualifying students and the associated estimated AIEA funding for that school district in 2025-26.
Questions to Consider About Your Home School District
- Does the number of students identifying as American Indian as reported by your home school district in the October 1, 2024 student count align with your previous understanding?
- Compared to other school districts, does your school district receive a lot, a little or an average amount of American Indian Education Aid?
- Request your school district’s AIEA Plan; what does American Indian Education Aid pay for in your school district?
Full Map
https://www.isdfirstaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/aiea_map.html
Additional Resources
Minnesota Statute §124D81 AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION AID
State Agency American Indian Education Webpage
State Agency American Indian Education Aid Eligibility List, 2025-26
Minnesota Report Card — American Indian Student Academic Proficiency