Keep school board elections nonpartisan

Eden Prairie voters should reject partisan endorsements, party politics, and outside money in school board elections. Unfortunately, local political parties, outstate PACs, and politicians are revving up to inject more partisanship into our nonpartisan school board race. We can look to districts to the north to see the corrosive impact this has on educational outcomes and governance. Partisan politics have created dysfunctional school boards, and outside money has made nonpartisan elections expensive and toxic for candidates and communities.

Eden Prairie voters should expect our candidates to respect the nonpartisan office designation by (1) not seeking political endorsements or support from political parties, (2) rejecting outside money from PACs and special interest/lobby groups, and (3) campaigning on local issues relevant to academic outcomes, parents, and residents. In Eden Prairie, voters can learn about candidate positions through forums, surveys, and neighbors who personally know the candidates.

Representation, not partisanship!

Our community and schools deserve a civil and policy-based election – not a toxic partisan fight. Your vote is the only control determining whether candidates decide to respect the nonpartisan office designation. Our school board has been nonpartisan for years, and this has served our students, teachers, parents, and taxpayers well. Only when working together across the political spectrum can we find common principles and achieve exceptional educational outcomes.

Having served on the board, I can attest that partisanship does not further our academic objectives, student mission, financial health, or district success. Unfortunately, when we politicize nonpartisan elections, we discourage successful and talented individuals from serving our community and gaining critical governing experience. This has increasingly led to undesirable options for elected positions. Our schools should be the last place we allow partisanship to take root.

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It matters

We are at a crossroads. If we do not reject the partisan takeover of our school board elections, there will be no turning back, and our students, community, and property values will suffer. Please vote for candidates who embrace outreach and debate and do the hard work of representation – not those who favor political parties and special interest groups over our community’s interests.

Charles “C.J.” Strehl, Eden Prairie

Editor’s note: Charles “C.J.” Strehl is a current Eden Prairie School Board member. He opted not to seek reelection in the Nov. 5 election and will complete his term in January 2025.