Strehl reappointed to school board on interim basis

Former Eden Prairie School Board member Charles “C.J.” Strehl, whose term ended earlier this month, has rejoined the board on an interim basis to temporarily replace absent member Debjyoti “DD” Dwivedy.

The board had previously voted on Jan. 6 to appoint Strehl to the role.

At the start of its business meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, the board passed a resolution declaring a temporary vacancy, as Dwivedy’s military service will require him to be absent from board duties for more than 90 days.

Strehl will fill the vacancy and serve until Dwivedy resumes his duties as a board member or until his term expires, whichever comes first.

On Monday, he took the oath of office, pledging to uphold the U.S. and Minnesota Constitutions and to faithfully carry out his duties as a member of the Eden Prairie School Board. The rest of the board, who were sworn in on Jan. 6, recited the oath again alongside him.

Strehl thanked Dwivedy for his service and said he appreciated the opportunity to fill in for him.

A father of three students in the Eden Prairie district and one recent graduate, Strehl has a background in finance and accounting. He served one term on the board, from January 2021 until his term ended earlier this month. He did not run for re-election last November.

His experience as the board’s treasurer was cited as a reason he was asked to step in for Dwivedy. He will assist new board member Ann Bradsher, who succeeded him as treasurer, as she acclimates to the role.

“I will try to do my best to bring my financial skills to this board for the next maybe six to seven months, hopefully,” Strehl said. “Right now, it seems like financials are very, very challenging for many school districts in our area, and I feel very privileged to be a part of a school district that is in very strong financial shape.”