StoryAgenda ApprovalJune 11, 2026

Edina School Board Approves Policies, Hears $25 Million Construction Update

The Edina Public Schools Board unanimously approved five district policies and received updates on more than 16 summer construction projects at its August 11 meeting, including a major $25 million mechanical upgrade at Edina High School.

Meeting date: Aug 12, 2025

Published Jun 11, 2026

The school board moved through a packed agenda that included welcoming four new administrators, announcing expanded childcare services, and reviewing extensive facility improvements across the district.

Director of Finance and Operations Mert Woodard reported that all summer construction projects are on schedule and on budget. The largest undertaking is a three-year, $25 million mechanical upgrade at Edina High School that will replace the steam-based heating system with a hot water system and install new air handling units. Other projects include renovations to Fick Auditorium, restroom conversions at the high school, tennis court rehabilitation at Edina Community Center, and electrical infrastructure upgrades at the Transportation Center to support two new grant-funded electric buses. Cornelia Elementary, built in 1959, is receiving its first comprehensive restroom renovation along with exterior brick repairs.

The district also announced it will restore the "Family Center" name to its early learning facility and expand childcare programming. Starting summer 2025, the center will offer full-day care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. "Supporting the whole family means adapting to their realities," said Early Learning Center Manager Laura Pongoth. "This wraparound care recognizes that when families have the support that they need, children really thrive." The center currently serves more than 500 families annually through developmental screenings.

Assistant Superintendent Nate Swinson introduced four new administrators joining the district: Lisa Barnhold as Countryside Elementary principal, Aaron Finn as Countryside Elementary administrative dean, Sarah Majoro as South View Middle School administrative dean, and William Britt as Edina High School assistant principal.

The board unanimously approved five policies—numbered 113, 414, 415, 533, and 806—that had been discussed at the July meeting. Superintendent Dr. Bitman recognized the varsity boys ultimate frisbee team for winning the state competition and placing second at nationals. The meeting concluded with the board entering closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy with teacher bargaining units, as permitted under Minnesota law.

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Also from this meeting

Edina School Board Approves Policies, Reviews Summer Construction
Aug 12, 2025

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Votes (7)

Agenda Approval

Approved Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Opening] · Seconded by Unknown [Opening]

Chair Gabler called for motion to approve the agenda. Motion was made and seconded without discussion.

Introduction of New Administrative Staff

Informational Presentation - No Vote Required

Dissent: None

Assistant Superintendent Nate Swinson introduced four new administrators: Lisa Barnhold (Countryside Elementary Principal, previously principal in another district), Aaron Finn (Countryside Elementary Administrative Dean, previously MTSS coordinator), Sarah Majoro (South View Middle School Administrative Dean, previously instructional coach and math teacher), and William Britt (Edina High School Assistant Principal, previously assistant principal in Andover). Swinson expressed gratitude for their selection of EPS.

Early Learning and Family Center Name Restoration and Program Expansion

Informational Presentation - No Vote Required

Dissent: None

Dr. Ann Marie Leland (Director of Community Education and Strategic Partnerships), Kim Eley (Assistant Director of Early Learning Center), and Laura Pongoth (Early Learning Center Manager) presented the restoration of the 'Family Center' name to honor the legacy program while expanding services. The center serves over 500 families annually through developmental screenings. New comprehensive childcare programming will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting summer 2025. The presentation emphasized the center's role as a community hub supporting whole-family well-being and child development.

Summer 2024 Construction Projects Update

Informational Presentation - No Vote Required

Dissent: None

Mert Woodard, Director of Finance and Operations, presented a comprehensive overview of 16+ construction projects across the district. Major projects include: (1) Edina High School $25 million three-year mechanical upgrade replacing steam-based heating with hot water system and replacing air handling units; (2) Fick Auditorium renovation including flooring, electrical, lighting, and sound system upgrades; (3) Restroom renovations at Edina High School converting gang restrooms to individual stalls; (4) Edina Community Center tennis court rehabilitation and relocation; (5) Cornelia Elementary tuckpointing and comprehensive restroom renovation (original to 1959 building); (6) Normandale Elementary artificial turf repair; (7) Creek Valley Elementary loading dock repair and repaving; (8) Valley View LED lighting replacement and restroom repairs; (9) Transportation Center electrical infrastructure for two new electric buses (funded by grants). Woodard emphasized all projects are on schedule and on budget, and thanked the buildings and grounds team for their work under difficult circumstances.

Policy Approvals (Policies 113, 414, 415, 533, and 806)

5-0 Approved Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Action Items] · Seconded by Unknown [Action Items]

Policy Chair Alenberg reported that the five policies were discussed at the July board meeting with no updates or revisions since that discussion. No board members raised questions. The board proceeded directly to voting.

Superintendent Back-to-School Updates and Recognition

Informational Presentation - No Vote Required

Dissent: None

Superintendent Dr. Bitman provided updates on district preparation for the upcoming school year, highlighting work by cabinet members and administrators on new teacher training, IEP coordination, and staff onboarding. Recognition was given to the varsity boys ultimate frisbee team for winning the state competition and placing second at nationals. Dr. Bitman emphasized the importance of acknowledging year-round staff who do not receive summer breaks and expressed gratitude for the work of all cabinet members.

Move to Closed Session for Labor Negotiations

Approved Unanimously

Dissent: None

Moved by Unknown [Closed Session] · Seconded by Unknown [Closed Session]

Chair Gabler announced the board's intention to move into closed session pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.03 to discuss strategy for labor negotiations with teacher bargaining units. The board cited authorization under Minnesota Statutes Sections 179A.01 to 179A.25 for discussing negotiation strategies and labor negotiation proposals.

Notable Quotes (15)

I am thrilled to be able to introduce uh new leadership here for Edana Public Schools.
— Nate Swinson/Assistant Superintendent [Staff Introduction]

Introduction of New Administrative Staff

My gratitude to you all for joining EPS. We're so glad you chose us. Welcome.
— Nate Swinson/Assistant Superintendent [Staff Introduction]

Introduction of New Administrative Staff

Tonight we're here to share something truly significant. not just a name change, but the restoration of a legacy that has touched countless families in our community.
— Dr. Ann Marie Leland/Director of Community Education and Strategic Partnerships [Excellence and Action]

Early Learning and Family Center Name Restoration and Program Expansion

The name change acknowledges the multitude of programs we offer throughout our center. Our developmental screenings alone serve over 500 families each year, and for many, this is their very first experience with Edina Public Schools when their child is between three and four years old. That first impression matters and the family center signals immediately that we are here for the entire family system.
— Kim Eley/Assistant Director of Early Learning Center [Excellence and Action]

Ordinances & Resolutions (8)

Policy 113Policy