Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools (CEPS) is made up of dedicated Eden Prairie residents who believe that appropriate funding for quality education directly results in a strong and prosperous community. This group was created in January 2004 in response to an increasingly urgent fiscal crisis in education funding. Beliefs: Quality public education is necessary for a strong and prosperous community. The legislature must fulfill its constitutional obligation to provide stable and adequate funding for education. Local control provides for the most efficient and effective use of tax dollars to meet local needs. Lower class sizes are beneficial to learning for all students. Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools supports the direction and accountability system set forth in the District's mission, vision and strategic plan. School districts are held accountable for student achievement and responsible management of their funds. School districts must have the authority to generate the necessary revenue to cover the cost of unfunded and under funded federal and state mandates. Purpose: Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools is a non-partisan, non-profit, volunteer effort to enact legislation, which will fully fund educational needs and government mandates. We accomplish this by: Educating citizens and legislators. Taking positions on critical legislative issues. Mobilizing community action and support. Being proactively involved in legislative initiatives and bills. Our steering committee represents parents, the school board, the business community and citizens at large. Current steering committee members are John Estall, Kim Ross, Holly Parker, Alicia Yost, Ron Borchardt, Jill Scholtz, Jan Eian, and Jim Mortenson. You can join CEPS too by sending your e-mail to email@citizensforepschools.org. Copyright 2007 Citizens for Eden Prairie Schools