Zach Thomas is running for a seat on the Ogden School Board in District 6, focusing his platform on community engagement and improved communication. In a report published October 29, Thomas outlined his goals to address various challenges facing the Ogden School District.
Thomas identified several pressing issues facing the Ogden School District, including food insecurity, school safety, screen addiction, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He stated that board members are responsible for shaping district policies regarding student support programs, safety protocols, and classroom technology in addition to setting the budget. To address these issues, Thomas intends to prioritize the mental wellbeing of students and teachers by increasing the accessibility of existing resources and expanding after-school programs, sports, and clubs. He also expressed a desire to limit classroom screen time to encourage more personal interaction.
The candidate's professional background includes teaching music at Imagine Music and serving on the Weber County RAMP board. Thomas noted that his experience working with diverse perspectives on the RAMP board has prepared him to work collaboratively with individuals of different political views to achieve common goals. He stated his philosophy is to remain flexible on policy while remaining rigid in values.
To increase transparency and accessibility, Thomas proposed hosting regular town hall meetings and listening sessions. He emphasized the importance of making resources available in both English and Spanish to ensure diverse voices are heard. He expressed a commitment to ensuring that teachers, support staff, and students have an accessible line of communication with the school board.
The Standard-Examiner recently conducted a survey of candidates involved in competitive races across Weber and Davis counties to gather platform information. Thomas provided responses to a six-question survey regarding his qualifications, priorities, and views on political compromise.
