
Citizens in our Schools
Have you ever wondered how a school district is run? Get ready to become the ultimate informed citizen!
For the first time this fall, Eden Prairie Schools is launching a Citizens in Our Schools program! Over the course of seven themed sessions held across six months, you’ll join a small cohort of about 25 community members for an in-depth look at how our district operates. From teaching to transportation, safety to school finance, you’ll experience authentic, behind-the-scenes learning opportunities designed to answer your questions and deepen your understanding of how Eden Prairie Schools serves students, families and the community.
Applications for our inaugural cohort are now closed. Check back in the summer to apply for next year's cohort!
Eligibility Guidelines
All applicants must...
- Be 18 or older
- Live or work within the boundaries of Eden Prairie Schools, or be a current parent of an open enrolled Eden Prairie Schools student
- Not be a current employee or student
- Be available for all seven required sessions
- Pass a background check and complete the Sharing Inspiration Volunteer Program training
There is no cost to participate in the Citizens in our Schools program.
Cohort 1 (2025-26)

Pictured from left to right:
Top row: Jonathon Acosta, Richard Levesque, Brittanie Kruegel, Colin Tuggle, Muhammad Umar, Amina Adeyemi, Noura Fassassi, Anna Oksnevad
Middle row: Daniel Lehn, Alexander Borden, Smitha Kodicherla, Jessica Baanrud, Gregory Olson, David Magare, Aparna Agarwal, Katy Moorman
Bottom row: Hiba Al-Zahawi, Joanna Park, Margaret Garrison, Abby Tusing, Diana Ortiz, Molly Duerr, Yuliya Gordeeva, Raghu Ramadasan, Carolina Hurtado Tambini
Citizens in our Schools participants will:
- Experience hands-on learning in all aspects of school district operations
- Become familiar with the resources, people and planning it takes to operate one of the state's top school districts
- Gain a better understanding of how their taxpayer dollars support student learning
- Learn what daily life is like for staff members in a variety of roles
- Connect with other community thought leaders
- Have the opportunity to provide input directly to district decision-makers
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people will be in the first cohort? How will participants be selected?
- I'm not able to attend one of the required sessions. Should I still apply?
- I'd like to join the cohort with my spouse or colleague. Can we both participate?
- I am a current Eden Prairie Schools staff member or student. Can I participate?
- Is there a cost to participate in this program?
- What if I am not selected to participate the first year?
- Will Citizens in our Schools be offered again in the future?
How many people will be in the first cohort? How will participants be selected?
I'm not able to attend one of the required sessions. Should I still apply?
I'd like to join the cohort with my spouse or colleague. Can we both participate?
I am a current Eden Prairie Schools staff member or student. Can I participate?
Is there a cost to participate in this program?
What if I am not selected to participate the first year?
Will Citizens in our Schools be offered again in the future?
Questions?







































