Ogden School District is facing many unique challenges – from the rise of Artificial Intelligence, screen addiction, food insecurity, to school safety issues that keep parents up at night. The position of school board is important because we need active, engaged board members that are ready to tackle these issues head-on. Board members don’t just set the budget, they shape district policies on classroom tech, safety protocols, and student support programs.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

From my years of teaching music at Imagine Music to my service on the Weber County RAMP board, I am uniquely prepared to serve on the Ogden School Board. I’m a team player, and I’m accustomed to working under pressure and with diverse perspectives. As someone who went to public school this century, I have the perspective of students today who have screens in the classroom.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

My priorities include increasing community engagement, ensuring our teachers, support staff, and students have an accessible line of communication with the school board. This can be achieved through regular town halls, representing the board at community events, and listening sessions to ensure teachers and parents alike can share their concerns. In addition, prioritizing the mental wellbeing of teachers and students alike is deeply important to me. We can achieve this by making existing resources more widely accessible, making after-school programs, sports, and clubs more available to all students, and limiting screen time in the classroom so students and teachers can have more personal interaction.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

I have a track record of working collaboratively with people from different political parties and of varying perspectives to work towards common goals. If elected to the Ogden School Board, I will work collaboratively with anyone to ensure that students and teachers are supported. I believe it is important to be flexible on policy but rigid in values, and that is how I intend to lead. On the Weber County RAMP board, I routinely work with individuals with differing perspectives but common goals – and am always able to find compromise to ensure the best possible outcome for our community.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

I believe that the more voices we have at the table, the better. In Ogden School District, I believe that diversity is our strength. We must ensure that every voice is

heard, and that resources are widely available and accessible in both English and Spanish. I will also commit to hosting regular town hall meetings, whether by

myself or with other school board members, where the public can have discussions with board members in a more casual setting. Community input informs our decisions while student and teacher wellbeing remains the common highest priority.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

My contact information is available on my website zachforogden.com, or I can be emailed directly at zach@zachforogden.com. I’m all ears and willing to have tough conversations. I would love to hear your ideas for how Ogden schools can improve.