Referendum town halls on Sept. 28, Oct. 4

Eden Prairie Schools (EPS) has planned two information sessions to help the community learn more about the upcoming referendum.

The first town hall will be held virtually via Zoom at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28. Attendees are asked to register to receive the meeting link, and are invited to submit up to three questions in advance.

The second session will be held in person at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Central Middle School (CMS), 8025 School Road. Dinner and childcare for ages 3 and up will be provided. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.

Interpretation in Spanish and Somali will be available at both sessions. A third session will also be hosted later in October.

What is the referendum?

The Eden Prairie school board is asking residents to approve a two-question referendum when they head to the polls for the Nov. 8 election.

Approving Question 1 would revoke the current operating levy of $1,815.27 per student and replace it with a levy of $2,075.27 per student.

The operating levy funds learning and programs, and helps keep class sizes small. The district estimates that the tax impact of this levy would be less than $8 per month in property taxes for a $430,000 Eden Prairie home.

Approving Question 2 would renew the previously approved capital project levy at the current level.

The capital project levy funds technology infrastructure such as student devices, classroom technologies, and teacher training. Passing this levy has no additional property tax impact.

These proposals aim to strengthen the district’s financial position so it can provide quality education to students.

Both the current operating levy and capital project levy are set to expire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. If these levies are both passed, EPS says it will be able to avoid cuts to programs and technology for another five years.

Voters can learn more at the upcoming EPS town halls, on the EPS website, and by reaching out to school board members.

You will also be able to read more about the referendum in EPLN’s voter guide. Print copies are expected to arrive the week of Oct. 2 in mailboxes across Eden Prairie.