[Coniam is pronounced ko-nee-um]
I am a 17-year Surprise resident, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, father of two Dysart students, and a longtime district volunteer — from PTAs and Site Councils to the Superintendent's Parent Council. Professionally, I am a private-sector executive leading risk management operations across a 14-state region. I am currently serving in my fourth term on the City of Surprise Board of Trustees. I am running to bring real-world executive leadership, proven fiscal conservatism, and genuine independence to our school board.
What Sets Me Apart: Real-World Executive Leadership
What distinguishes my candidacy is private-sector executive experience. As Assistant Vice President of Loss Control, I lead multi-state operations — managing teams, budgets, risk strategy, and performance systems in a results-driven environment where accountability is not optional. I build organizations that perform consistently and exceed goals. That discipline is exactly what Dysart's boardroom needs.
As Chair of the City of Surprise Board of Trustees — reappointed unanimously to a fourth term in 2026 — I put these principles to work for local taxpayers. We built strong reserves, expanded employee health insurance options from one plan to three, and voted to return $1 million annually to the City's general fund. Fiscal conservatism means knowing when to stop taking, not just when to save.
My Priorities for Dysart
Academic Excellence and CTE: Strong fundamental outcomes across every campus and expanded Career and Technical Education pathways through West-MEC — preparing every student for college or a well-paying career.
Supporting Classroom Teachers: Protect every dollar of the voter-approved 2024 override for teacher compensation, cut administrative friction, and build a culture that respects and retains great educators.
Fiscal Accountability and Transparency: I will apply the same data-driven, results-oriented budget oversight I use professionally to ensure taxpayer dollars reach classrooms, not administrative overhead — with full public transparency and measurable results.
School Safety and Responsible Growth: Proactive, data-driven safety planning, strong support for School Resource Officers, and honest evaluation of how rapid residential growth affects district capacity and long-term solvency.
Dysart Right Now
Our district faces real challenges that demand experienced leadership: a failed bond that left Asante-area families without a promised neighborhood school as residential development continues to accelerate around them; a voter-approved teacher compensation override that must be protected from budget pressures; and a board that has repeatedly chosen silence over transparency when difficult questions arise. I know these issues because I have been here — attending meetings, asking questions, and holding leadership accountable. That is not what I “plan” to do as a board member; it’s what I’ve been doing for over a decade.
Proven Independent Governance
I am moderate, non-partisan, and independent. I am not accepting donations — which means I am not beholden to any donor, special interest group, or political organization. I answer only to Dysart students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
Two seats are open on the Dysart USD Governing Board.
Early voting begins October 7th.
Election day is November 3rd.
I am not accepting donations.
This campaign is funded entirely out of my own pocket.
No special interest money. No party money. No political favors to repay.
Just a Dysart parent who believes our schools deserve better.