On April 7, voters in Fort Zumwalt School District will choose three members for the Board of Education. There are five candidates running for a three-year term. Voters will vote for THREE. Candidates are listed in order they will appear on the ballot. They are:
Arnie C. AC Dienoff
Marc Pratte
Tanya Roth
Erica Powers
Kathryn “Kat” Byrd
All information below provided by the candidate.
Arnie C. AC Dienoff
Marc Pratte
Education: BA Political Science & BA International Studies with a Minor in French, Saint Louis University
Children In the District: one who is an alum and one currently enrolled in high school
Membership in civic, professional organizations, etc.: Current Fort Zumwalt Board of Education Board Member, parish volunteering, CYC coaching, and Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout
Short statement about your reasons for seeking election to the Board and your qualifications for this position: As parents of children in the FZ district, my wife and I have a vested interest in keeping Fort Zumwalt strong academically and morally for all students in the present and for future generations. I have a long history of service in the community, and I hope to continue serving on the Board of Education at Fort Zumwalt to help the District stay at the top of St. Charles County both academically and in our skilled trades offering. If reelected, I will continue to serve as a common sense, pragmatic, and conservative Parents’ voice.
Tanya Roth
Education: Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Missouri-Columbia; Master of Arts in History, Washington University in St. Louis; PhD in History, Washington University in St. Louis
Children in district: one currently enrolled in middle school
Membership in civic, professional organizations, etc.: American Historical Association, Society for Military History
Short statement about your reasons for seeking election to the Board of Education and your qualifications for this position: From the beginning, my family’s experiences with Fort Zumwalt School District have always been based in partnership and support. From our son’s kindergarten orientation through his current experiences in middle school, our family has benefited from the care, professionalism, and dedication of Fort Zumwalt’s teachers, staff, and administrators.
In 2021, I was elected as President-Elect to the PTO at Mid Rivers Elementary, then served two years as President of the PTO. I came to better understand how schools operate beyond the classroom and the different factors that lead to student success. Serving in this role required listening to diverse perspectives, navigating differing priorities, and working with administrators and families to support the school community. As my son transitioned to middle school, I’ve remained involved in smaller but meaningful ways.
Professionally, I bring more than 15 years of experience in education, with a strong understanding of curriculum, instruction, and the real challenges educators face. This background will help me engage thoughtfully in district-level conversations about academic programs, instructional priorities, and long-term planning. Additionally, as a member of the parent/family community, my ongoing participation in district and school online forums has helped me better understand the concerns, questions, and hopes families across Fort Zumwalt share.
I am running for the Fort Zumwalt Board of Education because I believe I can help continue the board’s steady, informed, and community-centered leadership. I would bring careful listening skills, thoughtful questions, a fresh voice, and a collaborative approach to governance. I deeply respect the district’s existing strengths and want to be part of continuing to build those strengths for the future. I will help ensure that Fort Zumwalt continues to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students and remains responsive to the community’s evolving needs.
Erica Powers
Education: BFA in Graphic Design, MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and an MAT in Elementary Education all from Lindenwood.
Children in district: two currently enrolled in high school one currently enrolled in middle school
Membership in civic, professional organizations, etc.: MSBA Advanced Member, Alpha Chi, O’Fallon Chamber, MSTA
Short statement about your reasons for seeking election to the Board of Education and your qualifications for this position: Fort Zumwalt is a Fort—a place where students can grow, staff are supported, and families feel part of a strong, proud community. I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our teachers, the creativity of our students, and the pride that families bring to our schools.
I’m running for re-election because everyone deserves a voice, and I want to continue being an advocate for the people who make our district great. I’ll keep listening, learning, and working every day to protect and strengthen our schools so every student can thrive and every staff member feels valued.
Kathryn “Kat” Byrd
Education: BS in Psychology, Lindenwood University; graduate coursework, St. Louis University.
Children in district: one who is an alum, one currently enrolled in middle school and one currently enrolled in elementary school
Membership in civic, professional organizations, etc.: Missouri School Board Association (MSBA); PSI CHI; President of Mid Rivers Elementary PTO
Short statement about your reasons for seeking election to the Board of Education and your qualifications for this position: I would like to continue building connections, supporting our schools, and collaborating with experts to ensure we are doing the best we can for all of our students. I will continue to make data driven & fiscally responsible decisions as well as pay special attention to safety & security.