Holly Michaels named to District #1 School Board

Holly Michaels has been appointed to serve as the newest member of the Big Horn County School District #1 Board of Trustees, filling the vacancy left by the passing of former board chairman Josh Bassett.

Superintendent Matt Davidson said four candidates applied for the open position. Those applicants were Rod Winland, Julie Michaels, Holly Michaels, and Dustin Miller. The Board of Trustees interviewed all four before appointing Michaels, who has now taken the oath of office and officially assumed the position.

Michaels will serve on the board through the general election this fall. The seat will then be decided by district voters if she chooses to continue serving.

“Four outstanding candidates were interviewed by the Board after which Mrs. Michaels was appointed and sworn in,” Davidson said. “She will serve until the fall election at which time the position will need to be filled by voting patrons.”

Michaels returns to the board with prior experience, having previously served a full four-year term. During that time, she worked alongside fellow board members, administrators, educators, and families on issues related to student achievement, district policy, and fiscal responsibility.

She also brings the perspective of a parent with three children currently enrolled in the district, a connection she has said deepens her investment in the schools and their long-term success.

“I am honored to be appointed on the school board,” Michaels said. “I enjoy being involved in the school, and this is a way I can contribute to the district as a whole. I put my heart into my service before, and plan to do so again.”

Michaels said she has received strong support from the community since her appointment, including encouragement from her family.

“Since my appointment, I’ve had many people from the community reach out expressing support,” she said. “This tells me that I made the right decision to put my name in as an option for the school board to consider.”

The appointment provides continuity for the board following Bassett’s passing while allowing voters the opportunity this fall to determine who will serve the remainder of the term.