Candidate Profile 2021: Diana Leygerman, School Board Director

WARWICK, PA — Diana Leygerman, a Bucks County high school teacher, is a Democrat running for the position of School Board Director of the Central Bucks School District.

Currently an English teacher in Philadelphia, Leygerman began her teaching career in the Central Bucks School District, of which she is also an alum, graduating from Central Bucks East High School. She plans on taking her experiences as a teacher and resident into the position with her.

If elected, this would be Leygerman's first elected or appointed office.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Leygerman's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I am married with two kids. My daughter is 12 and my son is 7.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one in my family works in government or politics.

Education

I have a BA in Communications from Penn State and a MS in Education from Drexel.

Occupation

I have been teaching high school English since 2011. Prior to teaching, I worked as a copywriter in Marketing and Communications departments in the healthcare industry.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://www.cbsdneighborsunite...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have become increasingly concerned about the lack of respect for teachers, support staff, and administrators; lack of respect for medical professionals, lack of diversity in the curriculum; lack of equity; and the increasing role personal political beliefs are playing in school board decisions. As an educator, I plan on advocating 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 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.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Lack of trust in experts is one of my greatest concerns. School Board members don't write curriculum and shouldn't write health and safety plans; those should be left to the experts. I plan on listening to experts in the field to adapt appropriate recommendations.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a certified teacher and have devoted my career to serving students from all walks of life. I have the education and training to know what our students need and where our schools are lacking. I am passionate about education and inclusion. My eclectic background in the corporate world and in various educational facilities makes me a solid candidate for this post. I am also a Russian Jewish refugee and I grew up with very little. I know what it's like to barely make a living and to fight for every opportunity. I moved here with my parents and my brother in the early 90s and quickly realized just how important education is. I never stop learning and listening to others and their experiences.

Also, I have been very transparent and have answered all questions from community members. I have been actively meeting people in the region, having meet-and-greets, attending board meetings, and learning a lot about our district and what needs to happen in order for our district to keep leading the way. My opponent does not answer any questions, deletes comments, and hides from the public.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My platform is focused on respect, safety, and academic excellence. I want to respect experts in the field, find ways for our district to feel safe for all students, and approve curricula that fosters academic excellence. It's been a really difficult year for many of us but especially for lower-income families and for families with kids with special needs. I would like to find ways and programs that add resources and accommodations for all of our students, not just ones in the "mainstream." As a district, we absolutely have to find a way to be inclusive.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Prior to becoming an educator, I worked as a copywriter and editor for an engineering company, a major healthcare company, and an incredibly fast-paced healthcare consulting company. I have been an educator for over 7 years with experience in public schools and charter schools. As an educational leader, I have implemented curriculum, various teacher programs, and training. My eclectic professional background allows me to learn almost any skill quickly and with ease. As an immigrant, I am empathetic to the needs and struggles of children who don't always fit in. All of my personal experience translates into empathy and understanding of the needs of all students. I am able to look at any situation from every angle and make decisions under immense pressure. Furthermore, I graduated at the top of my class at Drexel with a 4.0GPA while working full-time and parenting two kids.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I don't know if this is the best advice I've ever received but it's one I am currently living by: "Be unapologetically you."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a parent in this district. I have lived here on and off since the late 90's. My only motivation for seeking is role is to foster positive change in our community. I am looking to serve our community as a volunteer because I care about preserving public education.