Washington County school board President Stirland faces retired teacher Zaleski in District 5

St. George News reported that Washington County School District Board of Education President David Stirland is seeking another term representing District 5 and faces a challenge from retired teacher Dan Zaleski. The district covers Hurricane and other communities mainly east of St. George. ^[1]

Stirland, a pharmacist and small business owner by career, is in his 12th year on the board and sixth as president. He said he was part of the construction of the Career Tech High School in St. George, that the district is close to being able to operate debt-free and pay as it goes, and that he is proud of "major compensation increases" for teachers during his terms. ^[1]

Zaleski taught for 40 years, two at Milford Elementary School in Beaver County and 38 at Hurricane Elementary, and retired in 2022. He said he has considered running since retiring and has substitute taught in secondary schools to gain experience. ^[1]

Both candidates pointed to enrollment as a looming challenge. Stirland said some student populations are shrinking even as more people move into the area, and he wants smaller schools such as Water Canyon and Enterprise to have the tools to succeed. Zaleski said "trying times are coming if we keep losing student population" and that money must be allocated properly to help students. ^[1]