Who is Albany school board candidate Becky Hopwood?
"I work to build consensus while keeping students, families, educators and our broader community at the center of my work."
Name: Becky Hopwood
Occupation: Incumbent
What office are you are running for? Albany Board of Education
What is the main reason you are running? I’m running for re-election because I believe deeply in Albany’s public schools and want to continue the work we’ve begun to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. The past few years have brought significant change to AUSD. I’m proud that I’ve helped provide calm, thoughtful leadership through those transitions, and I want to continue focusing on academic excellence, educational equity, student well-being, and responsible stewardship of our resources.
Why are you qualified? I’ve served on the AUSD Board since 2022, including as President and Vice President, and bring experience in district governance, budgeting, policy, and community engagement and advocacy. I’m a graduate of King’s College London, a former registered nurse and midwife, an Albany resident for 24 years, and the parent of three children who attended Albany schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. I’ve also volunteered extensively in our schools and community, and helped lead successful parcel tax and bond campaigns as a member of the Board.
What sets you apart from other candidates? I bring a combination of institutional knowledge, hands-on community experience, and a steady, collaborative approach. I know AUSD as a Board member, longtime parent, volunteer, and Albany resident. I listen carefully, respect differing perspectives, and rely on thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making. I work to build consensus while keeping students, families, educators and our broader community at the center of my work. I bring both experience and a commitment to considered, forward-looking leadership.
How and when did you end up in Albany? My family came to Albany 24 years ago when my husband attended graduate school at UC Berkeley. We lived in family student housing in the University Village, and loved the community so much that we made Albany our permanent home. We raised our three children here, all of whom attended Albany schools from kindergarten through 12th grade, and over the years became deeply involved in our schools and community.
What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years? The three biggest challenges I see for Albany schools over the next five years are maintaining fiscal stability amid enrollment- and attendance-driven funding and ongoing structural pressures; implementing a thoughtful, long-term facilities plan that makes strategic use of available bond funding while addressing competing needs; and ensuring every student has access to rigorous instruction, meaningful opportunities, and the support they need to thrive, particularly students with disabilities and historically underserved students.
How would you begin to address them? I would begin with careful, long-term planning and strong Board oversight. Financially, that means closely monitoring enrollment, attendance, reserves, and multi-year projections while prioritizing investments that directly support students and classrooms. For facilities, that work is already underway thanks to the Facilities Master Plan Committee which is developing a comprehensive, transparent planning process to prioritize projects, make strategic use of bond funds, and balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability. Academically, I would use student data to identify inequities, monitor progress, and support effective instruction and interventions. Throughout, I would listen to staff and families, communicate clearly, and work collaboratively with the Superintendent and Board.
Allyson Aleksey
What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools? I’d like to expand meaningful student voice in district decision-making. Students experience our schools every day and can offer alternative perspectives and insights. We have wonderful student trustees, but I’d also like to create more consistent opportunities for students from different schools, grade levels, and backgrounds to share what is working, what isn’t, and what they believe would make AUSD stronger.
How will you be accessible to constituents? I’ll continue to be visible and available in the community at school events, Board and committee meetings, and neighborhood gatherings. I welcome emails and conversations with students, families, educators, and residents. My role depends on hearing from people directly and bringing those perspectives into Board deliberations.
How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign? Less than $2,000.
A final thought? Albany’s public schools are truly the heart of our community. If re-elected, I’ll listen carefully, work constructively with our educators and community, and make decisions based on what is best for all our students. I’d be honored to continue serving Albany.
Campaign website: beckyforalbanyschools.com
See complete Election 2026 coverage on Albany Scanner.
Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips? Here's how to reach us.
