New school board sworn in, Strehl chosen to sub for absent Dwivedy

The Eden Prairie School Board held its annual organizational meeting on Jan. 6, where members were sworn in and an interim replacement was selected for an absent member.

Two new board members, Ann Bradsher and Jody Ward-Rannow, were sworn in, along with sitting members Steve Bartz, Aaron Casper, Abby Libsack, and recently reelected Kim Ross.

Board member Debjyoti “DD” Dwivedy was not present, having indicated at the board’s Dec. 19 meeting that he would be taking a leave of absence for the next few months due to military deployment with the U.S. Army Reserve. However, he was still included in the roll call as he is technically a member of the board.

At the meeting, the board addressed several important tasks, including electing members to four leadership roles. Casper will remain board chair, Bartz will continue as vice chair, and Libsack will keep her current role as clerk. Bradsher, an accountant, was elected to replace Strehl as treasurer.

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The board also voted to maintain its current annual compensation for the calendar year Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025:

• $6,600 ($550/month) for the chair.
• $5,700 ($475/month) for the vice chair.
• $4,800 ($400/month) for members.

Additionally, the board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda, which included important district organizational items. It also approved the 2024-2025 school board meeting calendar.

Strehl set to temporarily rejoin board

Under Minnesota state statute 123B.09, which governs boards of independent school districts, a board may appoint a replacement when a member is unable to serve for 90 days or more due to reasons such as a prolonged absence from the district, as is the case with Dwivedy, to ensure the community has full representation.

Eden Prairie has a seven-member board. However, Dwivedy has either been absent from meetings entirely or has participated remotely for much of his tenure. He has previously reported that this was primarily due to fulfilling military duties, including two long-term deployments, as well as other business and personal travel.

The board has expressed strong support and gratitude for Dwivedy and his military service. However, his absences have left the Eden Prairie School Board with only six members present for many important meetings and key votes. Since Dwivedy’s departure in June, the Eden Prairie Schools community has also been one board member short in terms of in-person representation.

At the Dec. 19 business meeting, the board discussed options for replacing Dwivedy, including holding a special election, choosing a runner-up from the recent election, or appointing a community member. However, due to the predicted short-term nature of the interim role, with Dwivedy expected to return by late spring, Casper floated the idea of choosing an outgoing board member since they were already up to speed on board business.

Casper suggested asking former school board members Charles “C.J.” Strehl and Dennis Stubbs if one of them would be willing to serve as an interim replacement for Dwivedy. Strehl was finishing a single four-year term and had decided not to run for reelection in November, while Stubbs was completing a two-year term. Stubbs immediately indicated he would be willing to serve but recommended Strehl, citing his experience as treasurer.

During a follow-up discussion with the new board members on Jan. 6, Casper said Strehl had written to him, stating he was willing to serve if that was the board’s choice. The board unanimously agreed that Strehl was the best and most efficient option for the interim appointment.

Casper said he hoped Strehl would rejoin the board by its Feb. 10 workshop meeting, noting a 30-day waiting period before he could assume the role. To facilitate this, the board scheduled a special business meeting before the workshop to officially seat Strehl on the board.

However, after seeking guidance from the Minnesota School Board Association, Dirk Tedmon, the district’s executive director of marketing and communications, said on Jan. 8 that in this particular case, the expected 30-day waiting period was not, in fact, required by law.

According to Minnesota state statute 123B.09, the board needs to make a formal resolution declaring a vacancy on the board before it can appoint a replacement. Tedmon said the board would make this resolution at an upcoming meeting, after which it could immediately reappoint Strehl. The board’s next regular business meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, at the district’s Administrative Services Center.