> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.albanyscanner.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Who is Albany school board candidate Margaret Allen? - URL: https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/09/24/election-2026/albany-school-board-candidate-margaret-allen/ - Published: 2026-09-24T20:20:56.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-28T04:42:02.000Z - Description: "What sets me apart is the balance I bring to the table: experience in managing complex fiscal trade-offs alongside a 15+ year family journey ahead at AUSD." - Author: Guest contributor - Tags: Election 2026, Elections, #articles, Albany Unified School District, Board of Education, Schools, #nohomepage **Name:** Margaret Allen **Age:** 38 **Occupation:** Actuary/finance professional **What office are you are running for?** Albany Board of Education **What is the main reason you are running?** I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to build on our district's success and help set up our public schools for long-term financial health. As a true public school system, our strength comes from listening to our community. I’m running for school board to bring proactive financial oversight, partner closely with educators and families, and advocate for safe, equitable facilities across all of our campuses so every student thrives. **Why are you qualified?** Professionally, I work as a healthcare finance vice president managing complex, multi-year budgets. Locally, I put that expertise to work on AUSD’s Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee and the Ocean View School Site Council. Most importantly, I’m a parent of two young boys in our district. I offer a proven financial skillset, active local volunteer experience, and an everyday stake in the success of our public schools. **What sets you apart from other candidates?** What sets me apart is the balance I bring to the table: experience in managing complex fiscal trade-offs alongside a 15+ year family journey ahead at AUSD. While financial rigor is essential for navigating today’s budget challenges, having two young sons at ACC Preschool and Ocean View ensures my decisions are always grounded in the everyday classroom experience. I bridge the gap between executive oversight and daily parent reality. **How and when did you end up in Albany?** We moved to Albany in 2019, drawn to its perfect blend of an urban setting with a tight-knit, small-town feel. As our boys grew into our local schools, I’ve seen firsthand why they are the heart of this community. Our teachers go above and beyond, parents show up through PTAs and volunteering, and our broader community consistently steps up to support our schools through school events and local bond measures. It’s a wonderful community to raise a family. **What are the three biggest challenges for Albany schools in the next five years?** First, long-term fiscal sustainability: addressing our structural budget deficit while navigating revenue shifts, including the loss of funding from the closure of Golden Gate Fields. Second, educational equity and continuity: ensuring consistent resources, high academic standards, and supportive programming across all three elementary campuses so students transition smoothly into middle and high school. Third, modern facilities management: successfully guiding the next stage of major construction and master facilities projects efficiently across our campuses. **How would you begin to address them?** To address fiscal health, I’ll conduct a thorough budget review to safeguard our non-negotiables, ensuring we protect core classroom instruction and the student experience, while exploring partnerships with neighboring districts to advocate for state funding relief. For campus equity, I’ll work to build stronger cross-campus connections among our PTAs, creating dedicated opportunities to share best practices, coordinate fundraising, and ensure every elementary school offers an equally rich experience. For facilities, I’ll advocate for a comprehensive "lessons learned" review of our recent construction projects. By surveying the community and analyzing past outcomes, we can refine our master planning and execute future projects efficiently. [Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guideAlbany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/icon/alb-scanner-orange-11fdbed7-5676-4b2e-b6b6-9a68b142d883.png)Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/b5/b0/b5b0b7ec-798c-4cb6-ab42-472b59c05589/content/images/thumbnail/key-route-trees-d81b2ef0-5d35-49b0-a796-c619291c89ec.jpg)](https://www.albanyscanner.com/2026/08/12/elections/albany-2026-november-election-ballot-measures/) **What is one new idea you'd like to bring to Albany schools?** Given our rapidly changing economy and tech landscape, I want to deepen our partnership with UC Berkeley. Being next door to a world-class university is a huge asset. We can expand hands-on learning through field trips, lab visits, and classroom shadowing, while creating mentorship opportunities where university students volunteer on our campuses. It’s a powerful way to inspire our kids and bring cutting-edge learning into our schools. **How will you be accessible to constituents?** Community connection is key to great school board leadership. You can reach out directly at [margaret4albany.org](https://www.margaret4albany.org/?ref=albanyscanner.com) or email me at margaret4albany@gmail.com. As an AUSD parent, I’m also out in the community every day — if you catch my family and me on a walk around Albany or at a local school event, please say hi! I welcome your ideas and thoughts. **How much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?** Less than $500. **A final thought?** Our public schools make Albany a truly special place to live and raise a family. With a strong financial background, active district volunteer experience, and two young boys in our schools, I am ready to serve our community. Thank you for your support, and I hope to earn your vote! **Campaign website:** [margaret4albany.org](https://www.margaret4albany.org/?ref=albanyscanner.com) *See complete* [*Election 2026*](https://www.albanyscanner.com/topic/election-2026/) *coverage on Albany Scanner.* **Have questions for Albany Scanner, or want to share story tips?** [**Here's how to reach us**](https://www.albanyscanner.com/tips/)**.** ## Sign up for Albany Scanner Stories for an informed community Get updates Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.