EVERETT — Jamyang Dorjee Nhangkar, a public affairs specialist with Community Transit, is the newest member of the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors.
Nhangkar, 47, was chosen Wednesday night to complete the term of Ted Wenta who resigned in July because of health issues. Nhangkar will be sworn in Sept. 25 and serve in the position through November 2019.
“Teachers have one of the most noble of professions, that of educating the young minds of our children,” Nhangkar said in a statement issued by the district. “To be able to support the important work they do is an honor and a privilege.”
Nine people applied for the appointment and five finalists were interviewed by the school board Wednesday. Directors made their decision after a two-hour executive session, according to a news release.
“The breadth and depth of the applicants’ qualifications made this a very difficult decision,” said board President Caroline Mason in the release. “We look forward to returning to a full board as the new school year begins.”
Nhangkar was born in Nepal and is Tibetan. He lives in the south end of the district. His two children are students in Everett public schools.
At Community Transit, he helps analyze state and local legislation and prepares presentations for elected officials in local, state and federal government. He also manages the agency’s relationships with local organizations, chambers of commerce and government agencies, according to his application.
He’s previously worked for the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County and the Puget Sound Business Journal. He serves on the board of the Lynnwood Chamber of Commerce and is a former president and current board member of the Tibetan Association of Washington.
In his application, Nhangkar discussed the importance of teachers in his life and value of education in fostering community.
“I’ve always felt that education is not just about accumulation of textbook information but about creating an environment where learning is encouraged,” he wrote. “It is about teaching compassion, leadership, common sense and all the other intangibles of life that help shape each one of us.”
The other candidates interviewed Wednesday were:
• Jeff Colon, who grew up locally, earned a civil engineering degree, volunteered with the Peace Corps and works as a civil engineer for the Snohomish County Public Utility District. The father of two is fluent in Spanish and has been involved in PTAs as well as wrestling, track and drama programs in local schools.
•Richard Hazzard, who also works for the PUD as a senior manager. He earned his teacher certification, has grown children and has worked on education programs with the Federal Way and Vashon school districts as well as the Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle.
•D. Mason Rutledge, who graduated from Meadowdale High School, is special assistant to the president of World Concern, a Christian global relief agency based in Shoreline. He’s worked for several nonprofits and been an adjunct professor at Puget Sound Christian College. His three children are graduates of Everett schools.
•Emily Wicks, an Everett resident, is communications coordinator for the Marysville School District. She’s also on the Marysville Rotary board and is active with the Marysville Together Coalition and Marysville School District Foundation.
Reporter Eric Stevick contributed to this story.
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@herald net.com. Twitter: @dospueblos.
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