September 16th, 2025
- Jessica Premo
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
A Strong Start
Dear Colleagues,
As we kick off a new school year here in Eden Prairie, I want to take a moment to thank you for everything you do. Every day, you bring care, creativity, and commitment into your classrooms. You continue to show up for your students and for one another. I want to recognize and appreciate the extraordinary effort behind what can sometimes feel like ordinary days.
You are seen. You are valued. Your work matters.
Just two weeks in it’s clear we’re starting strong, and now is the time to grow even stronger. If you know a colleague who isn’t yet a member of EPEA, this is the perfect moment to invite them in. Increased membership makes our collective voice even louder.
Looking forward to the year ahead, we’ll use that collective voice to protect what we’ve earned and advocate for what we still need.
Together. Onward. Forward.
Josh Axtman
President, Eden Prairie Education Association
Not sure where to start? Start with your Site Reps!
Site Representatives are your on-the-ground union leaders. They organize building meetings, share important updates, and serve as your first point of contact for
union-related questions or concerns.
Here are your Site Reps for the 2025–26 school year:
Cedar Ridge: Andrea McCarty and Jann Viger
Central Middle School: Kristen Mantel, Kassy Miller, and Marcus Moten
Eagle Heights: Anna Alberto and Wendy Mendoza
Eden Lake: Lauren Seashore and Mike Woizeschke
Eden Prairie High School: Holly Anderson, Alex Bauer, Alex Hennen, and Todd Organ
Forest Hills: Blair Butler and Emily Forthun
Oak Point: Matthew Denny
Prairie View: Beth Pederson and Whitney Rikard
Valley View: Joanne Peterson
Check your check
Article VIII, Section 6, Subd 1: “K-12 teachers shall have the option to be paid in twenty-four (24) or twenty (20) equal semi-monthly installments. Paydays shall be the 15th and the last day of each month or the last weekday preceding these days if the 15th or the last day should be a school holiday.”
New contract, new pay rate! Wondering if your paycheck is accurate? Here’s how to check:
Find the cell that matches your step and lane on Salary Schedule A, which can be found on page 37 of the new contract (page 42 of the PDF). This will give you your total salary for the year if you are employed at 1.0 FTE. If you are less than 1.0 FTE, multiply your FTE by the salary in the cell to get your salary for the year.
Note: For a variety of reasons, your step may not match your years of service in the district.
Log in to the Employee Access Center (EAC).
Select “Salary and Benefits” from the menu on the left, then select “Salary and Benefits” again from the flyout menu.
In the salary section, make sure that your lane, step, FTE, and salary are accurate.
Your rate will also be listed. This is the amount you will receive, per check, before deductions. To double check this rate, divide your salary by the number of paychecks you receive (20 or 24 as you have elected).
Now, select Salary and Benefits from the menu on the left. This time, select Payroll Checks from the flyout menu. Click on your check for Sept.15.
Look in the third column, labeled Current, on the top line of your Statement of Earnings and Deductions. This should match the rate listed in your Salary and Benefits.
If you find any mistakes, please contact Jenna Losey in Human Resources.
A Quick Reminder About Social Media Use
Fellow educators, you’ve probably seen reports about teachers across the country facing serious consequences, including suspension or even job loss, because of social media posts related to recent political events.
I want to encourage you to be mindful when posting online, especially if you identify yourself as part of Eden Prairie Schools. Our district has policies about employee speech on sensitive topics like religion, politics, and controversial issues, particularly when students might see or be affected by those posts. This isn’t about limiting your voice; it’s about protecting you and your professional standing. Please think carefully about what you share, where you share it, and how it might be perceived. If you ever have questions or concerns, your union is here to support you.
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
Save the Date
Save the date for this year's MEA conference on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. Registration will be opening soon!
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Contracts Approved and Enrollment Up
At a brief business meeting on Monday, Sept. 8, the school board approved new contracts for three bargaining groups: food service employees, transportation employees, and the EPEA.
The board also received an early enrollment update indicating that student numbers are exceeding projections. While enrollment was originally projected at 8,890, the revised estimate now exceeds 9,000 students.
The district’s final enrollment count, based on Oct. 1 data, will be presented at the Oct. 27 school board meeting.
Rep Congress Meetings
Rep Congress Meetings are open to all members. If you’re interested in attending, meetings will take place in the Community Room at Central Middle School from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on the following dates:
Monday, Sept. 29
Monday, Oct. 27
Monday, Nov. 24
Monday, Dec. 15
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Monday, Feb. 23
Monday, March 23
Monday, April 27
Monday, May 18
In Solidarity,
Josh Axtman, EPEA President
Kristen Mantel, EPEA Vice President
Jessica Brent, EPEA Treasurer
Jessica Premo, EPEA Secretary