The rest of the candidates are newcomers and promise to bring varied perspectives on the direction Eden Prairie schools should head in the coming years.

 

Asad Aliweyd, a 17 year resident of Eden Prairie, is a former high school math teacher. He wants to close the achievement gap and use community engagement to include all EP residents in that responsibility.

 

Murshid Barud is a 15 year resident of Eden Prairie and is a father of six. He seeks to align EP schools with the 21st Century, making structural reforms to align the district with the business community. He wants more engaged parents and a more responsive school district. Barud says everyone has a stake in successful graduation rates. 

 

John Kohler is a 9 year resident of EP and has a son who is a Junior at EPHS.  He wants to build on the what we have, managing within the promises of the referendum. He wants a district that is aware of impacts on our stakeholders. He thinks that closing the achievement gap means managing challenges on both ends - high achievers as well as students who struggle.

 

 

Greg Lehman has lived in EP for five years and has a sophomore at EPHS. He says he offers an outsider’s perspective as a technology career professional.  He wants to help with concept of change - demographic, legislative, ed opportunities - to help make this community one of the best places to live in the country. He believes the students’ interests should come first and he will advocate for them.

 

Adam Seidel -  is an Eden Prairie Schools product, having graduated EPHS in 2006.  Adam sees a new age in the city as the community starts to mature. He still views our school system as a core and strength and calls his Eden Prairie education one of the most important influences in his life.  He says we need to make strong financial choices with regard to the recently passed referendum and he views the school board as having the responsibility to go out into the community to bring ideas forward as a part of the decision making process. He wants Eden Prairie to be a national leader in addressing the achievement gap. He would like to set the example for other school districts by lowering class sizes in the lower grades and having special instructors at those grade levels to ensure all kids have the opportunity to thrive.