Additional Q-and-A with Jody Ward-Rannow

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.

Jody Ward-Rannow

Website: www.jody4ep.com

Ward-Rannow is a Franlo Road resident who has lived in Eden Prairie for almost 12 years.

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She has been involved in the community as the current vice president and past president of the Eagle Heights PTO, a member of the District PTO Presidents Council, a board member of the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, committee chair for the 2022 District 5th Grade Spring Fling, co-service unit manager of Eden Prairie Girl Scouts and has been involved with Prairie School of Dance.

Ward-Rannow said these leadership positions, as well as developing and enforcing policies for clients through her job, have given her experiences that would be valuable to the Eden Prairie School Board. She is a lawyer who represents employers and said her training includes observing organizations, identifying risks and developing workable solutions.

She has not received endorsements or donations from groups. “The DFL for Senate District 49 issued a letter of support for my candidacy based on my issue positions. The letter of support helps me connect with volunteers but does not provide campaign donations and is not an endorsement,” she explained.

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?

WARD-RANNOW: Our district’s mission is to inspire each student every day. I think awareness of our students’ cultural backgrounds is an important piece to understanding what inspires them. I would suggest that our school board members engage with local cultural organizations, and specifically with student cultural organizations in our schools, to understand our students’ and families’ backgrounds.

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?

WARD-RANNOW: I agree with the cell phone restrictions the district currently has in place. As a school board member, I would be open to listening to proposals for further cell phone restrictions. I would need to see the proposal to evaluate it. That said, my question would be, “What problem are we trying to solve, and does a further restriction on cell phones solve it?” Many of the problems with cell phones still remain when cell phones are banned because students have iPads, which can take pictures and videos. Students can effectively “text” each other during class by sending emails from their iPads. If there is a problem that schools are trying to solve by placing further restrictions on cell phones, I suggest that the district take a step back and determine the root cause of the problem and whether additional restrictions would actually solve it.

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

WARD-RANNOW: I look at our schools the same way. As a school board member, my focus would always be on the students first. What is best for the students? Does this decision help our students? When helping students is the priority, then it is easier to set aside other personal beliefs when making decisions.

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

WARD-RANNOW: I see the Eden Prairie School District continuing to grow and thrive. I believe everyone connected to the district is committed to providing the best education possible for our students. If we continue to explore opportunities to innovate and focus on our students as individuals, our district has a bright future.