The Board of Education for Hyde County Schools has recently added a couple of new board members who are now set and sworn in to fill the seats emptied by Ms. Angie Todd, who is now a Hyde County Magistrate, and the late Mrs. Aleta Cox. They will both complete their terms through 2026.
Mr. Dustin Nails was one of two candidates sent by the Republican Party after the loss of Ms. Aleta Cox. The Board of Education conducted interviews at the February Board Meeting and he was selected to fill her vacancy on the board. Mr. Nails was born in Georgia and moved to Hyde County in 2019. He is married to Josalynn Nails, a Hyde county local and alumni from Mattamuskeet School, and they both share a young daughter. He resides in the Ponzer Community and works for the Hyde County Utilities Department.
Ms. Rachael Chestnut is the most recent addition to the Board after being sworn in just this week with Ms. Angie Todd having to resign after being hired as a new Magistrate for Hyde County. The Democratic Party sent her name up for appointment. Ms. Chestnut was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up vacationing on Ocracoke. She graduated Cum Laude from The George Washington University in 2017 where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies. During her time as an undergrad she was able to study abroad in the former Yugoslav countries of Serbia, Bosnia, and Kosovo in a peace and conflict studies program. After graduation she completed a term of Americorps service with the organization Rebuilding Together and was based in the Bay Area of California. She stayed in San Francisco for another year and a half working as a legal assistant before moving back to the East Coast.
She has been a resident of Ocracoke for 4 years and enjoys feeling part of a community. Her full time job is managing all of the outdoor experiences and rentals for Ride the Wind Surf Shop, where she also leads kayak tours from Spring through Fall. She and Robert Chestnut, the Ocracoke Art Teacher, married in April of 2023 and have 2 cats together. Rachael has been a board member for the Ocracoke Friends of the Library since summer of 2022. She has volunteered for the 21st Century program at Ocracoke School for the last 2 years where she assists with the cheer club for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
She believes that all students have a right to a safe school that challenges them to learn and grow. Schools are places where students' unique interests and interpersonal skills can be taught along with traditional curriculum, and Hyde County Schools excels in that aspect. On Ocracoke, the school is both figuratively and literally the heart of the village. We are fortunate enough to have great teachers, parents and coaches working with a supportive community. She is excited to join the Board of Education as the Ocracoke Representative and help all Hyde County students achieve success.
Board Chair, Lindsey Mooney, states he is very impressed with the new additions, and is looking forward to working with them to keep making the best decisions for Hyde County Schools students and staff. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Melanie R. Shaver, is thrilled to introduce these two exceptional individuals to our prestigious board, who will now stand alongside our three esteemed members. They understand that the power of our school system rests in our united community. With a common vision and steadfast devotion, the Hyde County Board of Education is poised to continue to ignite aspirations and foster an environment where every student can flourish. “Here's to the promise of collaboration, innovation, and a future brighter than our fondest dreams. Welcome aboard, I am excited that our shared commitment to education and Hyde County will continue to guide us towards excellence."
For any media questions or inquiries, contact Public Relations Officer, Julio Morales at 252-926-3281 ext. 3500 or at jmorales@hyde.k12.nc.us