Meet a School Board Candidate: Diana Leygerman

"I will make decisions not based on emotion but on logic, reason, and science."

This week we will feature candidates running in the Central Bucks School District. All of these races throughout Bucks County and Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District are important because you have right-wing astroturf groups and PAC’s trying to organize a far-right takeover of school boards. Support candidates like Diana who will bring experience, passion, and all of the students’ best interests to the school board.

Diana Leygerman is a 20-year resident of Central Bucks and a graduate of CB East. She earned a BA in Communications from Penn State and received an MS in Education, Learning, and Curriculum from Drexel University. She started her teaching career in the Central Bucks School District and currently teaches English and Debate in Philadelphia, where she is also the English Department Chair, an instructional leader, a new-teacher mentor, and the writer of the school’s newsletter. When she isn’t advocating for her students, Diana spends her time with her husband of 14 years and their two children, who attend CB schools. 

Why are you running for school board?

I have been increasingly concerned about the lack of respect for teachers, support staff, and administrators; lack of diversity in curriculum; lack of equity; and the increasing role personal political beliefs are playing in school board decisions. Since I am an educator, I plan on governing for the benefit of all of the students. Many decisions often benefit the majority and exclude students who are not considered "mainstream"; I plan on using my voice to speak for all students, especially those often left on the sidelines. I will also be an advocate for diversity in our curriculum and necessary professional development and resources for our educators. I will make decisions not based on emotion but on logic, reason, and science. Finally, I plan on being transparent in this position and will encourage parents, taxpayers, and all other stakeholders in the district to express their needs and concerns prior to making any important decision. 

What do you identify as the top education issues folks must confront in your school district, in Pennsylvania, and nationally? 

On all levels - local, state, and national - we need to do a much better job with social and emotional learning and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum. Additionally, I would like to see more resources for special education and a lower teacher to student ratio. 

[Listen to Diana’s speech at the May 1 Rally for our Schools by clicking HERE]

How can folks get involved with your campaign?

Folks can follow me on social media, donate, and lend their time. They can also encourage others to vote! 

Which journalists, writers, podcasts, and/or publications do you turn to for information and inspiration?

Some of my favorite podcasts are Stuff You Should Know, Radiolab, The Happiness Lab, This American Life, Code Switch, and Hidden Brain. I typically listen to NPR in the morning and one of my favorite publications is The Atlantic.  

Thanks for reading! I look forward to your feedback and suggestions.