Bradsher, Ross, Ward-Rannow win tight Eden Prairie School Board race

Ann Bradsher and Jody Ward-Rannow were elected to the Eden Prairie School Board for the first time, while incumbent Kim Ross retained her seat in the Nov. 5 election.

Six candidates were vying for three open spots, each for a four-year term. The other three candidates were Jon Cermak, Kim Johnson, and Dennis Stubbs (incumbent).

According to unofficial tallies from the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office, the vote percentages and vote counts were:

• Kim Ross: 20.08% (13,288)
• Jody Ward-Rannow: 16.97% (11,228)
• Ann Bradsher: 16.44% (10,877)
• Jon Cermak: 16.25% (10,756)
• Dennis Stubbs: 15.26% (10,097)
• Kim Johnson: 14.64% (9,687)

There were also 244 write-in votes, which accounted for 0.37% of the total. Minnesota statute requires the school board to canvass the results and declare them official by the 10th day following the election.

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While this will be the first time Bradsher and Ward-Rannow have served on the school board, this will mark a third term for Ross, who is currently serving her second term and previously served from 2008 to 2012.

Ross said, “I’m grateful to the voters of Eden Prairie for the opportunity to continue serving on the School Board. Congratulations to Jody Ward-Rannow and Ann Bradsher, I look forward to working with them. Thanks to Dennis Stubbs, Kim Johnson, and Jon Cermak for their willingness to serve. I’m excited to keep working hard to support the mission of inspiring each student every day.”

Ward-Rannow said, “I am grateful to the community for giving me an opportunity to serve on the Eden Prairie School Board. Congratulations to Ann Bradsher and Kim Ross. Thank you to Dennis Stubbs for his dedication and service on the Board. And thank you to Dennis, Jon Cermak, and Kim Johnson for running and being open to serve. On Thursday night the District starts strategic planning for the next ten years (Flight Plan 2035) with a community event. I encourage everyone who can attend to come. I am excited to participate in building the future for Eden Prairie Schools, our students, and our community.”

Bradsher said, “I am genuinely humbled to be elected from this pool of worthy and qualified candidates. I thank each candidate for their willingness to serve the students and families of Eden Prairie Schools. Congratulations to Jody Ward-Rannow and Kim Ross; I look forward to serving with them. I was fortunate to meet Kim Johnson, Dennis Stubbs, and Jon Cermak through this candidacy; each has a unique perspective to bring to the table and I and would have welcomed the opportunity to serve with them, as well. I am hopeful and confident that this board and our community will take bold steps to lift Eden Prairie Schools to the point where we exceed expectations.”

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Starting Jan. 6, 2025, the newly elected board members will join Steve Bartz, Aaron Casper, Debjyoti “DD” Dwivedy, Abby Libsack, and the re-elected Ross, to make up Eden Prairie’s seven-member school board. Stubbs and current board member Charles “C.J.” Strehl, who chose not to run for a second term, will step down.