Priorities

A school board's primary role is shaping the district's educational vision and goals. Board members are responsible for:

  • hiring and evaluating the superintendent,

  • setting strategic direction,

  • monitoring and assessing district performance,

  • ensuring resources are aligned to district goals,

  • approving decisions related to budgeting, contracts, educational programs, facilities, and policies,

  • advocating for public education and the success of all students,

  • keeping the public informed and engaging with the community

Within those responsibilities, my key areas of interest include:

Stabilizing Education Funding

70% of school budgets come from state funding and since 2003, state funding has not kept pace with inflation. Today’s schools are being asked to do more with less funding. Edina Public Schools has a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency as evidenced by our AAA bond rating (one of only 3 MN districts, fewer than 100 nationally), internationally award-winning financial reporting, and healthy fund balance. However, keeping an eye to the future, work is needed around:

  • Addressing the Special Education and English language learners cross-subsidy

  • Advocating for continuing to tie the Basic Education formula to inflation

  • Reducing and/or funding the number of mandates put on local schools

  • Ensuring that educators, administrators, and school board members have a voice and are involved in discussions around education legislation

Balancing the Role of Technology

Technology is an ever-present reality of today’s world and yet, we need to be thoughtful and intentional in how we utilize these tools within our district. We have a myriad of users: students, staff and administrators, each with different needs and requiring different approaches. Topics like screen usage, the role of artificial intelligence, brain development and technology use, as well as solid pedagogy around tech usage, are just some of the areas of discussion.

  • Partner with the Superintendent and district leadership to understand best practices and research, capture stakeholder voice, and center students and staff in an effort to help set guidelines that shape the role of technology in teaching, learning, operations and wellness for both students and staff. (Current 26-27 board adopted goal.)

  • Explore the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence through governance level discussions and ensure technology and AI considerations reflect the strategic plan’s emphasis on helping students live effectively with technology and on healthy, research-based standards for students and staff. (Current 26-27 board adopted goal.)

  • Continuous monitoring of the evolving landscape of technology and appropriate usage in Edina Public Schools, keeping student and staff well-being at the center of our work.

Stewardship of the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan

The Edina Public Schools Strategic Plan is comprehensive and one of the best in the state. It is the north star of our district and is the product of extensive community, staff, student and stakeholder input. It establishes priorities that have and will continue to guide our work. Grounding board and district work on the priorities outlined in the strategic plan is important work that will continue to guide our efforts as we work to live out our mission: for each and every student to discover their possibilities and thrive.

  • Review, evaluate and discuss the district’s 2020-2030 strategic plan to assess progress, ensure alignment and chart future areas of focus. (Current 26-27 board adopted goal.)

  • Ongoing and frequent progress monitoring on the strategic plan with opportunities for stakeholders to provide feedback.

  • Ensure current and future district initiatives, areas of focus and resources are in alignment with the goals outlined in the strategic plan.

Fostering Safe Schools

Student and staff safety is a top priority. School safety encompasses both the physical and psychological safety of individuals as well as the cybersecurity of our systems. EPS works hard to create a school culture that enhances learning and fosters a sense of belonging for all students. We take a multi-layered, comprehensive approach to school safety to ensure that staff and students are prepared for any situation.

  • Continue our strong partnership with Edina Police and Fire Departments, city and statewide leaders and families to ensure that we are creating physically and emotionally safe environments for our children and staff.

  • Educating and equipping students, families and the larger community with information and tools to prevent and respond to safety threats (weapons, substance, online, bullying).

  • Continue to assess and update school safety protocols and advocate and secure funding to ensure we have a robust physical, cyber, and staffing posture.

Increasing Mental Health Resources for Students and Staff

We know that students today report high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, and these struggles can lead to decreased academic performance and social-emotional well-being. Schools are in a position to provide support. Edina students report high levels of connection to at least one caring adult at school, and research shows that those connections can significantly improve a young person’s mental health, academic success and resiliency. However, more support is needed for both the students who need it and the staff who provide it.

  • Ensure our staff has the resources and necessary training to support students' well-being.

  • Include student and staff voice in our wellness work to help identify needs and possible responses for both students and staff.

  • Advocate at the state and federal level for additional funding, staffing and support for student and staff well-being.