By Miranda Holloway
Executive Online Editor
Whether there was a football game or a play performance in any of the six district 214 schools, there was always one familiar face in the crowd. That face belonged to one Robert Zimmanck, a district 214 board member of 23 years.

Zimmanck also served on the Northwest Suburban Special Education board for 16 years and had only retired from his 214 post in April of this year.
While he enjoyed going to events at every school in the district , Zimmanck had a special connection to Prospect, as his five children had all graduated from the school. He was always enthusiastic and encouraging, coming to many events with friend and fellow board member, Bill Dussling.
“Their ability to attend so many events throughout the year was almost staggering,” Principal Kurt Laakso said.

What made Zimmanck such an important part of the community, however, was his positive outlook for the future and his willingness to help students make a better future for themselves and their community. To reach this potential Zimmanck set high expectations for not only the students but the faculty as well.
“He was truly appreciative of human potential and was excited about being able to support the growth of and development of people in our community. He was a people person,” Laakso said.
He strived to make his community better through these years of service and truly wanted every student to reach their highest potential.
“He wanted to do his part to provide opportunities for all of us to be successful. He most certainly did succeed in creating and sustaining a highly successful educational culture,” Laakso said.
Zimmanck’s face will be missed from the audiences of shows and games from throughout the district along with his attitude and love for the students he was educating.