Election 2026: Who is running for Albany school board?

Five candidates are vying for four Albany Board of Education seats in November. Three four-year terms and one two-year term are up for election.

In ballot order, they are Margaret Allen, Melissa Boyd, Becky Hopwood, Josh Mahoney and David McKinney. Boyd, Hopwood and Mahoney are seeking re-election.

We sent each candidate the same set of questions. 

Who is Albany school board candidate Margaret Allen?

“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.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Melissa Boyd?

“The privilege to represent the needs of others comes with the responsibility to treat the position with the weight it deserves, and that is not something I will ever forget or take for granted.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

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.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate Josh Mahoney?

“I want each and every kid to be able to find their communities and thrive in our schools.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Who is Albany school board candidate David McKinney?

“I know what it is like to be a teacher and I have broad knowledge about schools and learning from my work as a researcher with school districts around the country.”

Albany ScannerGuest contributor

Where do the candidates stand?

Candidates discussed school bond spending, artificial intelligence policies and other issues at an Albany Democratic Club forum in August. Our writeup includes video of the full forum.

Albany school board candidates weigh AI, school funding

Five candidates are vying for four open school board seats.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

Albany uses ranked-choice voting. Voters can rank the candidates in order of preference. Learn how it works.

Albany elections: November 2026 ballot measure guide

Albany has six ballot measures that would change zoning rules, business and property taxes, and funding for city services.

Albany ScannerAllyson Aleksey

When is the next Albany school board candidate forum?

The League of Women Voters of Berkeley, Albany and Emeryville (LWVBAE) will hold Albany school board and City Council events Oct. 1 at Albany City Hall, 1000 San Pablo Ave. The event begins with school board candidates at 6:30 p.m., followed by City Council candidates at 7:45 p.m. Register online

Where can I see Albany school board candidate statements? (in ballot order)

• Finance director Margaret Allen
• Attorney coach and advisor Melissa Boyd
• Incumbent Becky Hopwood
• Appointed incumbent Josh Mahoney
• Education researcher David McKinney

Election 2026: When can we vote?

Early voting starts Oct. 5 and vote-by-mail ballots go out that week. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

How do I register to vote?

Learn more from the Alameda County registrar of voters (ROV).

Where and how can I vote?

Albany's only vote center is at the Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. It's open Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Election Day, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

See a list of other vote centers and ballot drop boxes. Learn more from the secretary of state (SOS).

How many registered voters does Albany have?

Albany has 12,260 registered voters, according to the ROV.

Election 2026: Related coverage

Election 2026: Who is running for Albany City Council?

We posed a dozen questions to all five candidates. Four responded. Plus, our election FAQ.

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