D214 board member will not seek re-election

As a board member for Northwest Suburban High School District 214, Robert Zimmanck saw the introduction of technology centers and has worked with four superintendents.

But after 23 years, the human resources consultant, who is going strong at age 83, has decided to step aside.

Zimmanck read a brief statement at a board meeting Thursday saying he won't be running for re-election in April. His decision, known to only family and a few people in advance, was greeted with a standing ovation out of appreciation for his service to the district.

“I will never regret or forget but I believe the time has come for a well qualified individual to take my place on the board, he said.

Zimmanck has lived in Arlington Heights for 52 years, still cuts his own grass and stays active. He was an executive with a major corporation when he joined the 214 board.

He said it took a few months to make the decision. “I thought what I'd like to do is go out on top, he said. “I'm not a politician. There's no secrets about me.

During his tenure on the board, he also served as the district's representative on the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization.

“I can't imagine the number of hours he's put in over that time. He's been a superior supporter of District 214, said William Dussling, school board president.

Dussling said Zimmanck was a mentor when he joined the board 12 years ago and remains a good friend.

The district, which is well known outside the area, hasn't had a tax referendum in 43 years and has had balanced budgets the last 17 years, Dussling said.

The seats of Zimmanck, Dussling and Alva Kreutzer will be up for election in April.

“Bob is in awfully good physical condition. He looked at where he was in life and thought, ‘Gee, I've had a tremendous run,'“ Dussling said.

“You hate to see him go but you understand.