Zonda Perry has a profound appreciation for the value of education. In fact, her own education and life experience — in addition to her unique blend of analytical and creative abilities — make her an ideal candidate for the Alpine School District Board of Education. Zonda earned her bachelor's of science degree in mathematics from Brigham Young University in 1987. She accomplished this working part-time to support her family. Since 1989, Zonda and her husband Jim have enjoyed living in the Orem and Cedar Hills areas of Utah.
Zonda has had children or grandchildren in the Alpine School District for 20+ years. Her children have also attended private and charter schools. Zonda is extremely dedicated to providing the best education for her children, her grandchildren — and all children in the Alpine district. She's taken many opportunities over the years to be a tutor, room mother, coach and volunteer in the classroom.
Beyond the school environment, Zonda has more than 17 years of experience building and leading successful projects and teams. She has worked mainly for software technology companies, where her ability to manage diverse groups, identify risks and quickly build rapport has allowed her to succeed in critical projects. Her enthusiasm and dedication have also been quite inspiring to others.
Please contact Zonda with your questions, concerns, or issues:
email: zonda@zonda.org • phone: 801-358-0443
School board members should represent all children and parents in the district, not control them. Parents trust the school board to make smart decisions and support the highest education standards possible.
Given my educational and professional background, I'm especially concerned with mathematics. I believe that a good, solid, foundational math curriculum taught by competent teachers in grades K-8 prepares our children for careers and other post-high school opportunities. Without this foundation, many doors remain closed. The Utah State Office of Education Mathematics Steering Committee is looking for a better solution. We should too.
I'm proud of my American heritage. My ancestors and relatives, including my own son, have fought for freedom in nearly every war since the American Revolution. All of our children should be taught to be grateful and proud of this great land they live in and the freedom they enjoy. They should also be taught that their elected school board will protect their right to the best education our tax dollars can provide. I'm running for school board because I care deeply about education and I can honorably represent the children and parents of the Alpine School District.
The Alpine School District has a budget of more than $400 million next year. Did you know that the majority of our property taxes and all our state income taxes go toward education? We need to get the most out of every dollar we spend. Let's find ways to cut waste and be more efficient so there will be more for the teachers and the children.
We can lessen the impact of funding shortages in education by wisely using our existing technology. For example, distance learning is used effectively in business to control training costs. That's because an online class can be just as effective as traveling hundreds of miles to take the class in person. It also saves thousands of dollars. Using this technology, one teacher could simultaneously teach students in multiple locations. We should be aggressively pursuing this sort of solution.
In addition, I'd like to find a way to get the amazing resources of our local technology businesses more engaged in our schools. Companies are looking for opportunities to serve in the community and we should be working with them to develop these opportunities.
Our children are performing well below what should be expected, given the demographics of our population. We need to reevaluate all of our resources, including curriculum, teachers and tools. We need to think outside the box and be creative with what we have.
School Testing Results, 2006 & 2007: How Utah Compares to Other States
If our kids want to go to college, they should be encouraged and prepared for academic achievement starting in elementary school. I'm concerned by studies that show our young adults falling behind the national average in college attendance and the attainment of bachelor's degrees. Studies show that the best jobs go to those with not only work experience but also college degrees. We should be preparing our kids for the best opportunities available.
Educational Attainment: Utah Falling Behind National Trends
Preparing Utah's Workforce for 21st Century Jobs
Zonda is capable of working with multiple organizations, people and personalities. She knows how to handle stressful situations with a professional manner. She knows how to resolve conflict and get results. She also has the ability to bring out the best in people. And she's always happy and kind.
—Janell Aslett
Sr. International Marketing Operations Manager
Ancestry.com
Through years and years of community involvement, Zonda has shown great foresight, true love for civic service and a commitment to making difficult decisions. She's a wonderful communicator, dedicated to the causes she feels passionate about and has boundless energy.
—Eric Richardson Mayor, Cedar Hills
I've known Zonda for 6 years and have always been impressed with her character and positive attitude. She has a unique ability to work well within a diverse group of people and is able to handle the ever-changing situations that happen in both a professional and personal setting with the utmost class. In addition to her professional career she is also heavily involved in her family and community. She has unlimited energy that allows her to succeed at the things she loves and holds close to her heart.
—Kelly Rich
Senior Sales Manager
Neways Inc.
Contact me with your questions, concerns, or issues!
email: zonda@zonda.org • phone: 801-358-0443