Additional Q-and-A with Ann Bradsher

Here’s candidate Q-and-A content in addition to what appeared in EPLN’s print Voter Guide, mailed to Eden Prairie homes in early October. We are repeating the Voter Guide’s introduction of the candidate.

Ann Bradsher

Bradsher, a Gateway Lane resident, is a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) whose experience at both the international and local levels of business has brought her in contact with agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

She has lived in Eden Prairie for 18 years.

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Her community and school involvement includes roles as Oak Point Elementary PTO secretary, Cedar Ridge Elementary Carnival treasurer, Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) Nest volunteer, EPHS English Resource Center volunteer and dance team fundraising chair.

Bradsher said she has begun preparing to serve on the school board by holding discussions with current board members about their roles and challenges, and through discussions with community parents about concerns for the school district’s future path.

She reported no endorsements or donations from groups.

EPLN: Eden Prairie Schools’ strategic plan calls for an “inclusive learning environment.” Should cultural awareness extend to school board members and, if so, what additional measures would you suggest?

BRADSHER: Cultural awareness is a prominent topic in most organizations, and the Eden Prairie School Board should be no different. Annual diversity and cultural awareness training for all board members should be the norm. This doesn’t need to be an expense. Let’s ask University of Minnesota graduate students with a cultural/diversity focus to volunteer their time with the board each September to share their studies, concerns and suggested action steps. The board will learn new perspectives and the graduate students will gain free experience in leading a seminar; it is a resume builder, as well.

EPLN: Eden Prairie Schools has tightened its restrictions on student use of cell phones, but a small but growing number of states are going even further. Do you favor cell phone restrictions beyond what currently exists in Eden Prairie schools?

BRADSHER: I believe cell phones should be left in a box at the door inside every classroom.  They are a distraction and temptation. If a student has extenuating circumstances, they can discuss those on a case-by-case basis with their teacher in real time. The students are there to learn, so let’s make learning the primary focus and remove the temptation of the cell phones.

EPLN: How would you maintain impartiality and fairness, even when faced with issues that may conflict with your personal beliefs?

BRADSHER: My role would be to remain impartial and seek the best for the district. My very methodical and regimented personality as a CPA suggests I will look at facts and not feelings when dealing with a challenging topic or conflict. As a mother and wife, my feelings are enormous. But as a businesswoman, I am focused on facts and evidence.

EPLN: Where do you see the Eden Prairie School District in the next 5 to 10 years?

BRADSHER: As a mother of middle/high schoolers, I will still have children in Eden Prairie schools for the next six years. I am running for school board to bring respect back to our district within that time. I envision more peace and decorum ahead of us. I am encouraged by the new principals I am meeting. I would like to hear that the superintendent and his team are spending more time in the school halls witnessing the behavior, the climate, the mood. It is my hope that the students graduating from Eden Prairie schools are successful because of their school environment rather than in spite of it.