October 22, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

Paul Hamman decided to run for Pickerington School Board to help ensure the district remains “an exceptional, safe, and fiscally responsible educational resource for our community.”

Hamman grew up in Worthington in a working-class family where honesty and a strong work ethic were core values. He played football through high school and went on to attend and graduate from The Ohio State University. It was there that he met his wife, Melanie, and the two have now been married for 22 years.

The Hammans moved to Pickerington from Upper Arlington in 2011 after hearing great things about the community from friends. Once their children began attending local schools, they were impressed by the excellence of the district.

Over the years, Hamman has been an active volunteer in several community activities. When his son Gabriel was younger, Hamman served as Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 256. As Gabriel grew older and joined the Pickerington Central marching band, Hamman continued his involvement by helping with band activities. His daughter, Brooke, is currently in 7th grade band at Ridgeview Junior High and plans to join the marching band when she reaches Pickerington Central. The family also attends Peace Church, where Hamman volunteers on the church security team.

Outside of community service, Hamman enjoys spending time with his wife and children (Gabriel, 18, and Brooke, 13). He’s an avid outdoorsman who likes hiking, hunting, and fishing — and a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan.

Hamman believes the district does a good job preparing students to be productive and successful after graduation. However, he sees administrative spending as the district’s biggest challenge.

“I will recommend audits of operations and streamline costs,” he said. “The money saved from these actions can be used to support our students.”

Hamman emphasizes that he’s not a politician but a parent and taxpayer.

“I’m a father of one child who graduated from Pickerington and another currently in the system. Because of this, I see and understand the issues facing our district,” he said. “I stand for parents, students, and the taxpayers of this community — not the unions. This is why I did not seek the endorsement of the Pickerington Educational Association.”