February 13th, 2026

Excellence, Dues, and Democracy

February is a brief month of just 28 days; in its honor, I will aim to keep this message short.

Teacher of the Year Nominees

Fourteen educators from Eden Prairie Schools have been nominated for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to the following colleagues:

• Marisol Alcazar Gerszewski

• Jessica Brent

• Alan Hergott

• Lauren Koller 

• Sean Laughlin 

• Stacy Natal 

• Monica Nichols 

• Anna Nystrom

• Katie Teslow

• Jeff Thelen 

• Isabella Vermedahl

• Maria Villavicencio

• Lisa Warbritton 

• Erin Webster

We also continue to celebrate our own Linda Wallenberg, the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, and one of five finalists for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year.

These recognitions affirm what we already know; Eden Prairie is rich with remarkable educators. I am grateful to work alongside you, and our students are fortunate to learn from you each day.

The New State Paid Leave and Dues

Education Minnesota has adopted a policy of collecting regular dues from members who are on the new state paid leave program, just as it does for members on any other paid leave.

Because dues are typically deducted from paychecks, and members do not receive district paychecks while on state paid leave, the EPEA will need to collect dues through some other method. The two most likely options are writing a check to the EPEA or adjusting payroll deductions upon your return to cover the missed amount.

If you anticipate taking leave through the state program, please reach out to me as soon as possible so we can make a plan that works for you.

Election Season Starts Soon

It may feel early, but election season is already approaching. Planning for fall elections begins this spring, and we will need your help.

Please consider whether you might be interested in serving in a leadership role to support candidates who champion public education. We will be seeking a Get Out the Vote Lead, a couple of Campaign Coordinators, and Worksite Action Leaders at every location. More information will be coming soon.

Together. Onward. Forward.

Josh Axtman

President, Eden Prairie Education Association

Link to previous EPEA Newsletters

Q-Comp Steering Committee

Per the contract, the District Q-Comp Steering Committee consists of five teachers and five administrators appointed by the Superintendent. This committee plays an important role in the direction and daily function of Q-Comp in Eden Prairie.

The committee meets regularly to assist in system oversight, approve Q-Comp goals, and serve as the district Q-Comp appeal committee.

Your EPEA Steering Committee Members are:

• Steve Brothers (Q-Comp Coordinator)

• Katie Foley (EPHS)

• Sara Rowan (CMS)

• Jill Baller (Elementary)

• Josh Axtman (EPEA President)

If you have questions about Q-Comp goals, processes, or appeals, please feel free to reach out to any of these representatives.

Link to EPEA Staff and Leaders

2026-27 Staffing Timeline

While the staffing timeline is not tied to specific contract language, it directly affects members’ assignments and employment status. Below is a summary of key dates and processes; full details are also available on the district website.

Involuntary Transfers and Releases by March 6

• Any involuntary transfers will be placed prior to Round 1

• Probationary teachers notified of release by building principal or director prior to Round 1

Hiring Round 1: Internal within Building

March 9 to March 13

• Open positions posted internally for tenured staff to transfer within their building. 

• Itinerate staff may apply to transfer to one building.

Hiring Round 2: Internal between Buildings

March 16 to March 20

• Open positions posted internally for tenured teaching staff to request a transfer between buildings

• Transfer requests due to the building principal (request transfer via Google link provided in posting) by March 20

• Principals & Special Education inform all transfer requests of their decision for placement by March 27

  
  

Hiring Round 3: External

April 6

• Beginning of open position posted for internal (tenured and probationary) and external applicants to apply.

If you have questions about how this timeline may affect your position, please reach out to your site reps.

Link to EPEA Contract

Guidance from Your Member Rights Advocate

If you are in need of support at an administration meeting, believe there is a contract violation, or have performance/conduct-related support request, please

connect with Carla Thompson (Lead MRA) cthompson@edenpr.org or 952-240-6577.

Member Benefits:

Built In Benefits With Membership

• ESI PerksConnect - discounts to area activities and restaurants

• NEA Discount Marketplace - discount tickets and travel programs

• NEA Mental Health Program

• AFT Trauma counseling program

Education Minnesota Rep Convention

The 2026 RC will be held Friday, April 24 through Saturday, April 25 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington. The convention opens with registration at 3 p.m. on Friday and ends Saturday when all business has concluded.

The Representative Convention is where delegates from across the state gather to set policy, adopt priorities, and guide the work of our union for the year ahead.

Education Minnesota will provide:

• One round-trip mileage reimbursement for each delegate in attendance.

• One standard hotel room for one night for each local sending at least one delegate. When registering online, the local president must identify the delegate receiving the funded hotel room.

The EPEA has been allocated nine delegates for the 2026 convention. If you are interested in serving as a delegate and representing our local at the state level, please email me by March 19.

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The Eden Prairie School Board held its annual Organizational Meeting on Monday, Jan. 5.

During this brief meeting, the Board elected officers for the 2026 calendar year:

• Chair: Aaron Casper

• Vice-Chair: Abby Libsack

• Clerk: Steve Bartz

• Treasurer: Ann Bradsher  

The Board also held its regular business meeting on Monday, Jan. 24.

The meeting opened with the customary Spotlight on Success, which featured a presentation from CMS staff and students highlighting the “Looping” program and its role in supporting students.

The Board then received information regarding the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget timeline and planning assumptions. Members also reviewed draft versions of the final 2026-27 calendar and the preliminary 2027-28 calendar; both are scheduled for further review and a potential approval vote at the Feb. 23 meeting.

• Remaining EPEA Exec Board Meetings

  • February 17

  • March 17

  • April 21

  • May 12

  
  

  Remaining EPEA Rep Congress Meetings

  • February 23

  • March 23

  • April 27

  • May 18

  
  

  Other Events

  • February 23: School Board Meeting

  • March 26: End of 3^rd Quarter

  • March 30-April 3: Spring Break

  • April 24-25: 2026 Education Minnesota Representative Convention

"Though February is short, it is filled with love and sweet surprises."-Charmain J. Forde

Josh Axtman, EPEA President

Kristen Mantel, EPEA Vice President

Jessica Brent, EPEA Treasurer

Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary