Newberg School District 29J elects Aubrey Nichols chair; Andy Byerly named vice chair

Aubrey Nichols was chosen as chair of the Newberg School District 29J board at the July 14 meeting, after a nomination from a fellow board member and Nichols’ acceptance. The board also confirmed Andy Byerly as vice chair after a voice vote that members counted as about five ayes and one abstention.

The election came at the start of the first meeting of the new school year. Vice chair Jeremy, who had been presiding at the opening of the meeting, outlined that the board planned to follow Robert’s Rules for nominations and that nominations typically are not debated. After nominations opened, a board member nominated Aubrey Nichols for chair; Nichols accepted. When nominations for vice chair were held, Celeste nominated Andy Byerly and a subsequent voice vote confirmed him.

“I could always decline, but I will accept, and I very much appreciate the nomination,” Nichols said after the nomination was offered.

Board members discussed logistics for voting methods at the outset—voice vote versus secret ballot—and agreed to proceed by voice if multiple nominees showed up. The vice chair vote was tallied aloud by members present; the board counted five in favor and one abstention.

The board also voted unanimously to add an agenda item (8.03) to discuss the open Zone 2 seat and next steps for filling it; staff will confirm both candidates’ availability for the board’s August 11 meeting and circulate resumes in the packet prior to interviews.

The appointment and scheduling decisions mean the board will seat a new Zone 2 member at or after the August meeting, with the onboarding and swearing-in handled promptly thereafter.