Hi, I'm Zack Dinzeo, and I'm running for the Stillwater Area School Board because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, every educator deserves support, and every family deserves a school board that listens.

This campaign is personal. My wife, Nichole, and I are raising two young children, and our oldest will begin kindergarten in Stillwater Area Schools in 2027. We chose to move our family back to Stillwater because we believe in this community and the incredible teachers, staff, and schools that make it such a special place to raise a family.

Stillwater has been an important part of our family's story for many years. Nichole grew up here, graduated from Stillwater Area Schools, and has spent the past decade serving students and families in the district's Adventure Club program. Today, she works as a School Age Care Coordinator, giving our family a firsthand connection to the dedication and hard work happening in our schools every day.

Through my experience as a parent, the spouse of a district employee, my professional background in education, and my service on the district's Finance Committee, I have gained a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our schools. I understand the hopes families have for their children, and I also appreciate the commitment of the educators, support staff, and administrators who work every day to help students succeed.

I am running because I believe our district is at an important point. We have outstanding teachers, talented staff, and a strong foundation, but we also face significant challenges... including financial pressures, changing student needs, staffing challenges, and the need to continue strengthening communication and trust within our community.

I believe effective leadership starts with listening.

A school board member should not come into the role believing they have all the answers. They should listen to students, families, educators, staff, and community members; ask thoughtful questions; review the available information; and make decisions based on what is best for students and the long-term success of our district.

If elected, my priorities will include:

Supporting student success

• Strengthening elementary education and early learning.

• Ensuring students with disabilities and special needs have the resources and support they need to thrive.

• Maintaining safe, welcoming, and inclusive schools where every student feels valued.

Supporting educators and staff

• Ensuring teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff have the resources and support necessary to serve students effectively.

• Creating opportunities for staff voices to be heard in important district decisions.

Building a strong and sustainable future

• Practicing responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

• Advocating for increased state support for public education.

• Making thoughtful financial decisions that balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of students and families.

Strengthening trust through transparency

• Communicating openly with families and the community.

• Encouraging collaboration and meaningful community engagement.

• Making decisions with integrity and accountability.

This campaign isn't about the next election. It's about the next generation.

Together, we can continue building a district where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for your support,

Zack Dinzeo
zackdinzeoforstillwaterschools@gmail.com