In Tuesday’s election, teachers, parents, school officials, and even some students voted on three seats of the Edina School Board. Cathy Cella was reelected with 30.10% of voters’ support. Sarah Patzloff and Leny Wallen-Friedmen were newly elected, taking 27.82% and 25.15% of the votes, respectively.

Community members also voted on two referendums crucial to the future of the Edina School District. Both were passed, perhaps not surprisingly in a city that has never failed a funding referendum. The first referendum will provide funding to maintain stable class sizes and academic program options. The second is a technology referendum geared at expanding and integrating our use of technology in our curriculum. If both had been unsuccessful, the district would have lost $2 million annually in revenue, in addition to not receiving the extra $3.5 million included in the new technology levy. However, with the success of both referendums, Edina schools will now be able to focus on increasing network storage, training teachers in new learning technology, and purchasing updated software systems, as outlined in the District’s 2015 Technology Plan. According to Superintendent Ric Dressen, “the additional funding will support the District’s commitment to maintaining educational programming options and opportunities for students and to valuing a strong partnership among teachers, students and parents” and “will allow the District to move forward with our work advancement to ensure learning success for all our of students.”