Who is
William Coniam?

(pronounced ko-nee-um)​

Thomas William Coniam is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a 17-year resident of Surprise, and a father of two children currently enrolled in Dysart schools. He currently serves his fourth appointed term on the City of Surprise Board of Trustees — reappointed by a unanimous City Council vote in 2026 — and has served as Board Chair for the past three years.

He is running for the Dysart Governing Board because he believes our schools deserve a board member who has already proven they can govern responsibly, act independently, and put fiscal responsibility above political loyalty.

Roots in Arizona Public Education

I have lived in Arizona since I was 8 months old and am a product of Arizona's public school system, having attended schools in the Peoria and Deer Valley districts. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, where I initially studied to become a high school social studies teacher. As my studies deepened my love of American history and government, I felt a strong call to serve my country — and joined the United States Marine Corps. I received an honorable discharge as a Sergeant in 2012.

A Proven Record of Responsible Governance

I currently serve on the City of Surprise Board of Trustees, which oversees the City's self-insured medical program and makes recommendations to the City Council regarding trust fund programs and reserve levels. In that role, I have demonstrated exactly the kind of fiscal discipline I would bring to the Dysart Governing Board:

We built a substantial reserve fund to protect against unexpected costs. When that reserve reached a healthy level, we voted to return $1 million annually to the City's general fund rather than continue drawing it — because fiscal conservatism means knowing when to stop taking as well as knowing when to save. We also expanded employee health insurance options from one plan to three, giving City employees more flexibility to meet their families' needs.

While offered to step down, Council members asked that I continue to serve. I was reappointed to a fourth term by a unanimous City Council vote in 2026 and have served as Board Chair for the past three years.

Leadership in the Private Sector

I have spent my career in risk management and loss control, currently serving as an Assistant Vice President responsible for a 14-state region. In that role I lead a team of professionals who work with businesses and organizations across a wide range of industries, evaluating risk, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending practical solutions. That experience — building and leading a team, assessing complex situations carefully, thinking critically before acting, and being accountable for outcomes — is exactly what a school board member needs to do well.

Deep Roots in the Dysart Community

My family has made our home in Surprise and the Dysart school district for 17 years. Both of my children attend Dysart schools, which means I have a personal stake in every decision this board makes. I have served the district and its schools in numerous ways over the years, including the Student Handbook Revision Committee, the Superintendent's Parent Council, PTSOs, PTAs, and Site Councils. I have also served the City of Surprise as a volunteer coach for Parks & Recreation soccer and kickball teams and as a member of the Bullard Avenue Task Force.

Why I'm Running in 2026

I have been a consistent advocate for Dysart students and families — attending board meetings, speaking at public comment, and raising issues between every election, not just during campaigns. In February 2026, I presented documented evidence of a $500,000–$600,000 permanent annual budget threat and a school safety concern directly caused by a proposed federal facility inside our district boundaries. The board had legal tools available to simply place this on a future agenda for discussion. They chose silence.

I am running because our students deserve a board member who will ask the hard questions, follow the facts, and answer to the community — not to a political party. I have proven I will show up. I am asking Dysart voters to give me the chance to show up for them inside the boardroom.

I have developed a reputation in this community for objective analysis and evidence-based decision making. I do not rush to judgment, and I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong if presented with a compelling case backed by facts. I am moderate, non-partisan, and independent. The only agenda I am interested in is what produces the best educational outcomes for the children of Dysart.

I humbly ask for your vote on November 3, 2026.