Additional Q-and-A with Dennis Stubbs

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.

Dennis Stubbs

Website: www.stubbs4epschools.com

Stubbs, a Spoon Ridge resident, is an Eden Prairie School Board incumbent who was elected two years ago. He and his wife, Miranda, have three school-age children and moved to Eden Prairie in 2014.

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While on the school board, Stubbs said, he has played a lead role on the Community Linkage Committee and the Board Development Committee. “On the Community Linkage Committee, I created the Board Field Assignment (BFA); it’s a sign-up tool to help organize and coordinate board activity participation around the community,” he said. “One of my goals is to get out in the public and make us more approachable, visible and available.”

Stubbs said that actively listening and keeping an open mind to all perspectives have been important to serving as a board member. He has completed Level Two Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) and policy governance training. “I’ve worked very hard while on this board and I’m always in attendance,” he added. “I have never missed a committee meeting. I’ve missed one workshop out of 50-plus scheduled school board meetings. I chose to miss that meeting because I was scheduled to participate in an event for Young Life MN, which supports teens in this area.”

Outside of elective office, he has served as a youth leader at church and has coached hockey, golf and football.

He said he has not accepted endorsements or donations from groups. “I don’t feel school board candidates should accept endorsements,” he said. “This is a nonpartisan position and it says that on the ballot next to our names.”

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?

STUBBS: On this board, we strive to include everyone; it is embedded in the work and put into practice consistently. I’ve worked with the other directors long enough to say that our goal is truly “Each Student,” meaning no one is left behind and everyone gets the same opportunity to succeed. This district is focused and very driven to make sure that all are welcomed and supported.

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?

STUBBS: I believe cell phones should remain in the lockers and should be confiscated if seen in the classroom. I appreciate the work that the Central Middle School principal did last year in enforcing the cell phone policies there. Anything that can cause a disruption in the classroom, or prevent one from fully engaging, should not be allowed. The board has policies also when it comes to phones. We can make it through a two- to three-hour meeting with our phones put away. I feel students should be able to handle going to class distraction-free. We know distractions of any kind, whether that be cell phones, negative behavior or classroom disruptions, get in the way of the main reason our kids are in school: to receive a first-class education.

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

STUBBS: My personal beliefs have significantly shaped the person I am, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be impartial or fair. In fact, those values may actually increase my ability to be fair and open-minded. There have been times when I’ve felt very strongly about something or had a very strong opinion. I’ve been able to pause and keep an open mind to other perspectives. I’ve found that once I get all the information and all the facts, it can change the way I feel about something.

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

STUBBS: I’m excited about the path this district is on. The superintendent and his team do a terrific job of always planning 5-10 years down the road. I’m excited for the new (Valley View Road) property we are solidifying, and I’ve heard all the brilliant suggestions and ideas about the potential for that building. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the new programs that the new facility will provide for our students. I’m excited about the work being done with Inspired Journey and the Capstone projects. I am confident in our teachers, and our principals, and we have such incredible talent in this district. One thing I’ve said multiple times at board meetings is, “I wish I could go back in time and be a student here in Eden Prairie!” The opportunity created for our students is something of which to be proud.