The Chimacum School Board unanimously voted to install Mike Aman to the position left vacant by the recent resignation of Mickey Nagy.

The vote, which followed an interview with Aman and a private executive session by board members to talk about his qualifications, was taken at the school board’s May 26 meeting.

Aman, 51, is a Port Hadlock resident. He told the board he was a 1987 graduate of Chimacum High School and has lived most of his life in the Chimacum/Port Hadlock area, with a bit of time in his youth in North Dakota and some time in the military.

He has been a lumber salesman at Carl’s Building Supply in Port Hadlock for 22 years.

“I’ve lived here for pretty much the majority of my life,” he said.

Aman has two children who have attended Chimacum schools; one graduated in 2019 and his youngest is graduating this year.

While he has been a volunteer in the past, serving on the school board has been in his mind for years. He ran for a school board seat against Nagy in November 2017 but fell short.

“This is one area I really felt strongly about,” he said of the school board opportunity.

“I’ve really wanted to give back to my community than I have in the past few years,” Aman said.

Aman has helped the Chimacum Band Boosters Association in the past, and is currently working with the Big Blue Boosters Association for sports and graduation this year. He’s also been a chaperone on field trips and taken part in other district-related activities, including volunteering on the school levy committee and the search committee for a new district superintendent.

“I’ve been a cheerleader dad, a band dad, a drama club dad. It’s all been fun,” Aman told the board.

During the question-and-answer session, Aman said the role of a school board director is to oversee the superintendent, helping the district meet its goals, “and to approve policies and procedures that help our students succeed.”

Aman was also asked what approach he would take to making a decision as a director.

“I think looking for the best way for students in our community to achieve their goals and success is number one,” he said.

Aman also said he would consider whether such a decision would set a trend or go against a previous policy, and examine how it might affect current or future students.

Aman was also asked for thoughts on transparency and interaction with the community.

“It’s about being honest and having no hidden agendas; in talking to members of our community and encouraging parents to be more involved,” he said.

Aman also said he wanted to help turn around any negative view of Chimacum schools that may be still be lingering among some. 

“Over the last few years it really seems like our image and our relevance has taken a major hit,” he said.

“I just don’t see that as being true. I think Chimacum is a great place to be.”

While he said he wasn’t sure of all the efforts that could be harnessed to change that perception, he was ready to get to work.

“I want to be involved in cleaning that up,” Aman said.

“I’m in a position to give my time and not just in a short-term way,” he added, “but in a long-term way to move us upward and forward. My familiarity with our community ... gives me insight and an advantage there.”

After a brief executive session, the board returned to its public session and voted 3-0 to install Aman in the District 2 position.

Nagy resigned May 12 because of a career opportunity and announced his family was moving to Washington, D.C. 

Nagy was elected to the Director No. 2 position in 2017 and his term was set to expire in November.

After the vote, School Board Chair Kristina Mayer thanked Aman for stepping up to serve.

“You ran in the election last time, did not win and ... came back strong and steady ready to serve. I really appreciate that,” Mayer said.

Acting Superintendent David Engle then administered the oath of office and Aman was seated as a board member.

The appointment is temporary through November.

Aman has filed as a candidate for the District 2 seat for this year’s General Election. Jon Cooke is also a candidate  for the position.

Aman was the only applicant for the vacancy.

In his letter of interest, Aman said: “The opportunity to join the school board would be a great honor. I am certain that my dedication to public service, combined with my experiences, would allow me to make a substantial contribution to our school board.”