Hello! I am Zhiming “Z” Zhao, and I grew up in Northfield, MN. I attended Northfield public schools, Carleton College where I majored in Economics, and the University of Minnesota where I obtained a Masters in Business Administration. I work in information security for a Minnesota bank. I live in Hopkins, MN with my wife Ellie, and our two children who attend Eisenhower Elementary in the Hopkins school district.

I am running for school board because our children are our greatest assets and I want them to thrive. I will bring progressive values to the school board and a desire for accountability to ensure we achieve academic excellence and equity. I will listen to staff, teachers, parents, and administrators to find common ground to ensure the Hopkins school district is a premier destination, for students and teachers. I will bring extra rigor around key educational indicators and actively track district progress across time.

I am proud to announce that I have received a Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) letter of support! The DFL aligns with my values for the importance of public education to create our combined future. I appreciate all they have done in the most recent legislative session to increase funding, the read act, and other bills that will improve public schools.

Early voting has already started. I ask for your vote on November 7, 2023.

I would love to hear from you! You can email me at zzhaoforschoolboard@gmail.com