Diana Leygerman Is Running For Central Bucks School Board

WARWICK TOWNSHIP, PA — Diana Leygerman is running for Central Bucks School Board Region 9, which includes Warwick Township.

Jim Pepper, a Doylestown attorney, is also running for the seat. You can read his profile here.

In Pennsylvania, municipal primaries are set for May 18, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 2.

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

Age (as of Election Day)

38

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 am a teacher in Philadelphia. I've been a teacher since 2011 with a brief break for maternity leave and a gig at a healthcare communication firm.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I've never ran for office before.

Campaign website

electleygerman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

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. 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 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.

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

Lack of diversity in the curriculum is one of my greatest concerns. I know teachers are working really hard to diversify the content but there needs to be specific policy and advocacy for cultural responsiveness. If we want to "Lead the Way," we need to be exposing our children to appropriate culturally responsive content. I plan on listening to experts in the field to adapt appropriate changes to the curriculum.

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.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

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 understand 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:

"Don't pay attention to the noise and remember why you are doing this."

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

I am an honest person and I have always been very outspoken about what I am passionate about. I get along with almost everyone I meet and I absolutely love making people happy, sometimes at my own expense. I've always wanted to be someone who makes a positive change in our world, so I am hoping I can finally achieve that for our community.

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