
Citizens in our Schools
Have you ever wondered how a school district is run? Get ready to become the ultimate informed citizen!
After successfully launching our inaugural Citizens in Our Schools program during the 2025-26 school year, we are excited to continue to offer this immersive learning experience to our community! Over the course of eight themed sessions held across seven 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 opportunities designed to answer your questions and deepen your understanding of how Eden Prairie Schools serves students, families and the community.
Applications for Cohort 2 are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
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 eight 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.
Participants must be able to attend all eight required sessions. Please note that two of these eight required sessions take place during the school day. A dinner or light breakfast will be provided at all sessions.
- Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Program Orientation & District Bus Tour
- Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Teaching & Learning
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Safety, Facilities & Nutrition
- Wednesday, January 13, 2027, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Finance, Marketing & Human Resources
- Wednesday, February 3, 2027, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Beyond K-12
- Wednesday, March 3, 2027, 5:30-8:30 p.m.: Technology & Innovation in the Classroom
- Wednesday, April 14, 2027, 8:00-11:30 a.m.: Transportation
- Monday, April 26, 2027, 5:00-7:30 p.m.: Role of the School Board & Cohort 2 Graduation
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 will participants be selected?
- What if I'm not able to attend one of the required sessions?
- 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 this year?
- Will Citizens in our Schools be offered again in the future?
How will participants be selected?
What if I'm not able to attend one of the required sessions?
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 this year?
Will Citizens in our Schools be offered again in the future?
Questions?








































