Zach Butala (Tahoma School District school board District 5, Washington, candidate 2025)

Zach Butala

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Tahoma School District school board District 5

Elections and appointments

Last election

August 5, 2025

Education

High school

Helena High School

Bachelor's

United States Naval Academy, 2004

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Navy

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Instagram

Zach Butala is running for election to the Tahoma School District school board District 5 in Washington. Butala is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source] Butala was on the ballot in the primary on August 5, 2025.^[source]

Butala completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Zach Butala provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on June 30, 2025:

• High school: Helena High School
• Bachelor's: United States Naval Academy, 2004
• Military service: United States Navy, 2000
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Vote for Unity – A united community behind our teachers and students gives us the best chance to ensure every student achieves their full potential.
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook
• Campaign Instagram

Elections

General election

General election for Tahoma School District school board District 5

Zach Butala and Elizabeth Karkoski-Gardner are running in the general election for Tahoma School District school board District 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
		Zach Butala (Nonpartisan)
		Elizabeth Karkoski-Gardner (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Tahoma School District school board District 5

Zach Butala, Kelsi Hays, and Elizabeth Karkoski-Gardner ran in the primary for Tahoma School District school board District 5 on August 5, 2025.

		Candidate
		Zach Butala (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Kelsi Hays (Nonpartisan)
		Elizabeth Karkoski-Gardner (Nonpartisan)

---

	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Endorsements

Butala received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• Tahoma Education Association
• Washington Education Association
• Washington Education Association PAC

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Zach Butala completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Butala's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a proud father of three Tahoma students, a Navy Reserve Officer, and an airline pilot. My roots run deep in public education. I was raised by a single mom, sometimes relying on free and reduced school lunch. I was bullied until sixth grade, but I learned to work hard, lead with kindness, and fight for others. I graduated near the top of my class and earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where I continued to lead, earning multiple command roles and leadership awards.

I’ve served more than 20 years as a Navy pilot, including command, and also became a suicide prevention officer. I helped create a peer-led mental health program that’s still in use today. Now living in Maple Valley, I’ve spent nearly a decade volunteering across Tahoma schools, running book fairs, leading Watch D.O.G.S., serving as a Family Support Partner for middle schoolers, and coaching community youth sports. I want every student to feel seen and supported, and every teacher to feel trusted and respected. I was recently selected for the second straight year as Cedar River Elementary Volunteer of the Year and received the endorsement of the Tahoma Education Association (TEA).

I’m running for school board because I believe Tahoma is a great district, and I want to help make it even stronger by listening to families and rebuilding trust between the community and the district. A united community will better support our amazing teachers and ensure all kids have the best chance to succeed.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Vote for Unity. I’m a proven leader who shows up. I’ve led diverse teams from all walks of life and all over the world, and I’ve spent nearly a decade volunteering across Tahoma schools. I’m running to help reunite our community around our teachers and students. Together, we can give our children the best chance at success.
• Students First. Every decision I make will center on what’s best for students. I believe in meeting each child where they are, challenging them to grow, and making sure they feel safe, seen, and supported. Our schools should inspire curiosity, build resilience, and prepare every student for life beyond graduation.
• Support Our Teachers. Great schools start with great educators. I’ll advocate for the time, trust, and resources our teachers need to do what they do best - teach. When we support teachers as professionals and partners, our entire school community thrives.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about mental health, student resilience, and creating classroom environments that support learning for all, including adequate space and appropriate student-to-teacher ratios. That includes protecting teachers’ time, advocating for paraeducator support and training, and expanding services for students with special needs. I believe in lifting up those who need help and challenging those who are ready for more so that every student can reach their potential. I also support future bond and levy efforts, including the possibility of a new school, and believe that restoring trust and unity in our community is essential.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A school board member should listen to families, support teachers and staff, and keep students at the center of every decision. The board’s job is to set direction, uphold policy, and make sure the district is using resources wisely. It’s not about running the day-to-day—it’s about keeping the big picture in focus and asking the right questions. We need to lead by example, be available, and earn the trust of those we serve. Most of all, we need to work together, keep the community informed, and make sure our schools are a place where all kids can learn and succeed.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

9/11 was the most significant. I was a sophomore, or "Youngster," at the U.S. Naval Academy, and that day changed the entire trajectory of my service to the country. I went on to fly F/A-18s in Afghanistan and Iraq and had the honor of serving alongside some of the best men and women in the world. Over the years, I lost close friends in those wars and in training for them. I never take for granted the opportunity I still have to serve my country, my community, and give back.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first jobs were bucking hay bales, mowing lawns, and chopping and delivering firewood from a young age. I learned early that hard work and doing your best job mattered most. I also learned you do not get paid until the job is done, so effort matters. My first tax-paying job was as a service clerk at County Market grocery store, where I made $4.35 an hour. I was the guy who brought in carts in the summer heat or winter blizzards, cleaned the store, and stocked a few key items. Whatever they needed, I was there to help beyond those duties. I worked there for two years in high school and never forgot the lessons in humility, customer service, showing up on time, and always giving your best effort with a good attitude, no matter the task.

Who are your constituents?

Every student, parent, teacher, staff member, and taxpayer in the Tahoma School District is a constituent. That includes families who are struggling, those who feel unheard, and those who are thriving. My job is to listen to all voices, not just the loudest, and make decisions that serve the long-term good of our entire community.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

We need to listen to what people need, communicate clearly, and understand what we can offer and achieve together. That includes supporting students with diverse needs, giving teachers time to teach, and making sure families feel heard. But it also has to be balanced with realistic, achievable goals and a shared commitment from all sides to help our students succeed. When we work together with trust and clarity, we can make real progress.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

Students and staff need to feel safe to do their best work. That means physical safety, emotional safety, and clear expectations. I believe in strong communication, consistent discipline, and supporting staff to address issues before they grow. We need policies that are fair and firm, with a clear focus on keeping classrooms calm and schools secure, while still respecting each student’s dignity and potential.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Mental health is foundational to success in school and in life. I have spent years working in mental health and suicide prevention, including helping to develop a peer-based support model that has been used across both coasts. I understand how critical it is to spot early signs of distress, reduce stigma, and make sure people know they are not alone.

For students, this means ensuring our schools have the staff, training, and systems in place to support a wide range of needs, from daily stress to more serious challenges. We should help students build resilience and coping skills, while making sure they know how and where to ask for help. Mental health support should be built into school culture and not treated as something separate or reactive.

For teachers and staff, it means creating a work environment that is respectful, manageable, and supported by strong leadership. We must protect their planning time, reduce unnecessary burdens, and make sure they also have access to mental health resources. Burnout is real, and if we want to retain excellent educators, we have to take care of them too.

Mental health support is not just about policies. It is about mindset, consistency, and commitment. It takes listening, trust, and ongoing effort. When students and staff feel emotionally safe and supported, everything else improves.

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

One of the biggest concerns I hear is a lack of transparency and communication around decisions. I would like to see clearer policies that ensure families, staff, and students are informed early in the process, not just after choices are finalized. This includes how we communicate changes to programs, staffing, or schedules. We cannot rebuild trust if people feel left out.

I also believe we need stronger systems that protect classroom learning time. Teachers should have the authority to manage behavior and maintain focus in their classrooms, with clear support from leadership. Students who are struggling need help, but we also need to protect a calm and respectful environment so all students can learn.

I would like to see more consistent support for paraeducators and classified staff, especially around training, workload, and fair compensation. They are vital to student success and deserve the tools and respect to do their jobs well.

Finally, I believe we should begin teaching mental resilience and emotional strength at the youngest ages. Life is not always easy, and our students benefit when we help them build healthy coping skills early. That kind of preparation supports both mental health and long-term success.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Tahoma Education Association – It is an honor to be endorsed by the teachers’ union. We have some of the best educators in the state here in Tahoma, and many I deeply respect and admire. I believe teachers are the backbone of our schools. When they are supported, respected, and empowered to do their jobs, our students thrive.

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

Students learn best in classrooms that are safe, focused, and respectful. Teachers need to be empowered to set clear expectations and maintain order so learning can happen. We should support all students, but that support has to be balanced with the need to protect a calm environment where everyone can focus. Every student should feel they belong and be expected to engage, grow, and meet high standards.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I believe parents and caregivers are essential to a child’s success. When families, educators, and the district work together, our students and community are stronger. I will keep showing up, listening, and being available. I have already spent years volunteering in classrooms, running book fairs, coaching sports, and supporting families. That work builds trust. As a board member, I will lead by example, always put students at the center of my decisions, and I will always be honest. Even when answers are hard or we disagree, people deserve the truth and a respectful conversation.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Public schools are funded by taxpayers, and we owe it to the community to be open about how every dollar is used. Transparency matters, but so does making sure the money is spent wisely. It’s not just about having a balanced budget—it’s about spending with purpose. Are we funding what actually helps students learn? Are we supporting teachers and staff in the right ways? School board members should ask hard questions, follow through, and be honest with the public. That’s how we build trust and make good decisions.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Butala completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

• King County
• VoteWA Profile

See also

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Tahoma School District school board District 5

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