Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026

This bill aims to significantly improve the funding and resources for Bureau-funded schools by mandating two crucial studies to achieve educational and salary parity. Its core purpose is to ensure these schools can provide a high-quality education. This includes offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified teachers, administrators, and all school staff, aligning with other school systems. Within one year, the Secretary of the Interior must conduct a study to update the Indian School Equalization Formula (ISEF) , ensuring it provides sufficient funding for both Bureau-operated and tribally controlled schools. This study will specifically address achieving salary parity for staff compared to non-Bureau public schools or Department of Defense schools, while also considering factors like schools with fewer than 100 students, rural schools, and an additional cost factor for Havasupai Elementary School. Concurrently, a separate study will identify potential revenue sources to bring Bureau-funded schools into funding parity. A comprehensive report detailing the adequacy of the current ISEF and providing recommendations for its improvement will then be submitted to Congress.