Additional Q-and-A with Jon Cermak

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.

Jon Cermak

Website: www.joncforep.com

Cermak is a 20-year resident of Eden Prairie who lives on Saratoga Lane.

He said he has been a leader in the area of corporate human resources for more than 20 years, responsible for creating and enforcing employee-related policies – an experience and knowledge that would translate to school board work.

Outside of work, he has been a coach and commissioner for youth sports. Prior to volunteer work, he was the co-founder of Minneapolis HOPE Dollars for Scholars, an organization that provides post-secondary education opportunities for young people regardless of income.

“I am motivated to make a difference and am ready to give back and serve my community,” he said. “I care deeply about our kids, know many of the current board members well, and am educating myself on current policy and future goals in the event I am elected.”

Asked about endorsements or donations from major groups, Cermak noted that school board elections are nonpartisan and that he doesn’t think individual associations or politics should ever drive school board policy or decisions.

“Although I consider my views to be more aligned with the Democratic Party, I have not been endorsed by any group nor will I ever receive any campaign contributions from any organization,” he said. “And while I want to be very clear that the parties do not endorse school board candidates, I have received a letter of support from the Senate District 49 Democratic Party. The letter of support may simply help me connect with individuals interested in volunteering for my campaign. Again, the DFL does not provide funds for my campaign, and I am a nonpartisan candidate.”

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? 

CERMAK: The short answer is, yes. Promoting inclusion, cultural sensitivity and a sense of belonging is one of the most important priorities for me if I were to get elected. Every student needs to feel safe, have a voice and be comfortable in bringing their whole, genuine self to school every day. No matter their socio-economic situation, their race or ethnicity, their sexual preference, what religion they do or do not embrace – EVERY student has worth and a voice and should have the same opportunity to learn and grow in our school system. Period. 

As a school board member, we will need to keep a close eye on the metrics and analytics – the demographics against results. Where there are disparities, we need to seek to understand the “why” and then work together to provide thoughtful solutions to advance all students. Finally, we must ensure any new policy discussion is grounded in cultural understanding and awareness.

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?

CERMAK: I do favor common-sense cell phone restrictions in Eden Prairie Schools. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a student to focus and learn when they are engaged on their phone. As a school board member, I would support a policy to not allow any student in any grade to have their cell phones within their classroom during class hours. At CMS, students are currently not allowed to have their cell phones in class, and I would continue to support that policy. At Eden Prairie High School, I would support not allowing cell phones in class or possibly handing it in at the start or, at a minimum, allowing teachers to always collect phones at any time while in class, which they can do today. 

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

CERMAK: I have always been faced with situations like this, in both my personal life and at work. All of us have things we believe strongly in, but to me it is always best to go back to the mission and the goals of Eden Prairie Schools. Ultimately, that is to inspire each student to learn continuously so they are empowered to reach personal fulfillment and contribute purposefully to our ever-changing world. So, that will be my focus on every policy decision and every budgetary consideration. 

Difficult conversations and decisions will be a part of being a school board member and I recognize that. But again, our work needs to solely be focused on the betterment of our students in every decision we make – so setting aside personal beliefs will always be my priority.

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

CERMAK: I see a bright future for Eden Prairie Schools! By building upon our already solid foundation of providing authentic and personalized learning for every student, a culture of well-being and safety and ensuring we stay laser-focused on inclusion and belonging, we can only become better. And as more and more first-time school board members (like me, if elected) who want to make a difference for our kids come forward to serve, we will elevate and evolve on these principles, which is exciting! 

As we all know, the world is changing. Educational issues that impacted my kids and I years back are much different than what we face today. Whether it is the emergence of e-learning, the focus on AI or new ideas on the role of teachers and staff, I know that our Eden Prairie School District will evolve and keep up with those changes and trends, and I hope to be a part of it.