On or before May 5th, Edina residents have the opportunity to vote on the Referendum to Reinvest in Edina Public Schools, a $125 million proposal that aims to update learning spaces, improve security, and enhance infrastructure throughout every school in the Edina district.

I have lived in Edina for my entire life. My parents moved here for the schools, as so many do, and from kindergarten to senior year, I have had the privilege to grow up in a community that supports and practices first-rate education.

However, quality education doesn’t happen by chance. There are a number of factors that go into making it what it is, and facilities are one of them.

As a senior at Edina High School, I witness the need for change every day. For one, EHS is cramped. Now that the district made the decision to move the ninth graders to the high school, it is more necessary than ever for expansions to be made.

Furthermore, our spaces are outdated and there aren’t enough areas for students to study productively. On any given Collaborative Wednesday, a line of students waiting to enter the library runs out the door and clusters of students gather wherever they can find space, often on hallway floors.

It shouldn’t be this way. Our motivated students deserve to learn in an environment that allows them to meet their fullest potential. Moreover, in order for Edina to maintain its reputation of excellence and attract new families to our city, our schools must adapt to the 21st century.

As a current college student, class of 2012 Edina graduate Hannah Stephan knows firsthand how updated learning spaces would set Edina students on a path for future success.

“The most important benefit that updated facilities would provide is a competitive atmosphere to accommodate for the changing work world. With the increased emphasis on collaboration and technology, it is important that EPS school spaces adapt to this. During my time at Edina, this could have given me an additional edge at college,” she said.

This comment brings up an important point. Former and current students can and should make their voices heard.

As an EHS alum, Paige Thorburn recognizes the unique point of view of Edina graduates and how crucial it is for them to vote.

“It is important for alums to vote on this referendum. Though it won’t directly benefit us, it will have a huge impact on the city where we and our families live. We need to consider the next generations of students as future peers and leaders in business and the community. Students graduating in the next decade will probably be working with, for, or above us at some point not too far off, and we need to make sure that they have the tools we had, or even better ones, to be successful and move our society forward,” she said.

Additionally, 365 Edina seniors will be eighteen on or before May 5th, making them eligible to cast their vote.

“I definitely plan on voting,” said EHS senior Sam Schooler. “I just turned eighteen and I want to support the school that taught me and my class for the last three years. I hope by increasing funding, the school will be better able to serve students.”

As I am preparing to graduate high school and head off to college, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities Edina Public Schools have granted me. This referendum will help those opportunities grow substantially for students for years to come and that is why I encourage all eligible Edina residents to vote yes.

Visit www.voteyesedina.com for additional information on the referendum

and visit www.edinaschools.org/page/3607 to confirm your polling location.