Derek and his wife, Chaniga, moved to San Dimas in 2011. They have two children, Abigail Marie and William Amnuay, who attend Ekstrand Elementary. The Bahmanous attend One&All Church, a local church with great preaching and inspiring worship music. Derek loves being a parent, a husband, and he considers himself very fortunate to live in such a wonderful community. In 2018, Derek was installed as a Governing Board Member.
Derek’s educational career began at Mt. SAC. In his time at Mt. SAC, Derek played water polo and was on the speech and debate team. Derek received a BA in religion from Vanguard University in 2002, and a MA in Education from National University in 2010. Before becoming a teacher, Derek worked in a variety of jobs, including a mover at Mayflower, Youth Director at WCCC, an AOD supervisor at the Trinity El Monte campus, a general manager at a Subway restaurant, and a substitute teacher. Derek's top priority is seeing Bonita USD provide students with a rigorous and well-rounded education in an encouraging environment. This includes expanding the trade education pathways.
As an 8th-grade science teacher in Baldwin Park, Derek has been involved in various activities on campus such as AVID coordinator, leadership, school site council, teacher and principal hiring committees, and various other committees as assigned. He has also been a nonvoting union representative on a health benefits committee.
In addition to serving on the Bonita USD's Board of Education, Derek is a member of the San Dimas Masonic Lodge and represents Bonita USD on the La Verne-San Dimas Educational Foundation.
He considers himself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the communities that have given so much to him and his family.
In his down time, Derek enjoys hiking, watching documentaries, and spending time with family and friends. Derek and his family enjoy travel, Disneyland, Angels baseball, theater, movies, comedy, and dining at many amazing local restaurants.