Hillsborough School Board Election 2026: Diane Braungard-Galayda

Why are you seeking election for the Board of Education?

As a retired educator and parent of a child who was blessed to attend and graduate from this district, I have always had firsthand experience with the positive impact that our dedicated teachers have made for our students and the community as a whole. Our district continues to face significant challenges, including budget constraints, fiscal responsibility, staff shortages, and curriculum redesign. I am committed to finding practical and proactive solutions to address these issues with both the school and parental community.

My top priorities will always and forever be our students' educational and mental wellness. I am dedicated to advocating for programs that enhance academic achievement and support our students' overall well-being. Equity and equality are fundamental, and I will work to expand programs that ensure all students receive fair and balanced support.

My campaign is guided by my professional experience and personal commitment as a parent and advocate, not by political agendas. With your support on November 3rd, we can overcome our challenges and create a brighter future for our children.

Transparency in government is important for the community. Do you feel the BOE is transparent, and how would you increase transparency?

I believe the BOE is trying to be as transparent as possible with many budgetary matters. Parents and community members continue to have many questions that may not be able to be answered immediately without research and fact-checking. In a recent board of education meeting, a parent group initiated many good questions regarding how money is spent and more accountability of the budget. In the next meeting, Mr. Volpe provided answers that were feasibly possible, to give a clear and concise measure of budgetary spending. I would increase transparency by continuing to provide clear information to the community, as well as factual information to all questions asked. The goal is to build trust between the board, administration, and the community that we serve.

With rising healthcare costs and inflation, how do you propose keeping tax increases to a minimum?

The unfortunate factor is that healthcare will continue to rise over the next few years. Inflation and healthcare are always going to be two major costs that all districts will need to tackle. I propose the following: we need to continue improving energy efficiency and, as stated in previous meetings, continue the sharing of services with the municipality where possible. I would also like to see the seeking of more grants and federal aid for specialized programs. Lastly, managing long-term fixed expenses through data-driven staffing alignment, which will ensure that fiscal responsibility is maintained without compromising classroom instruction. All of these suggestions will hopefully keep tax increases to a minimum if possible.

What other issues do you feel need to be tackled in the BOE?

I believe that some of the biggest issues that the BOE needs to tackle this year and over the next couple of years are meeting a balanced budget that will take into consideration exactly what was asked in the previous question. How will we balance our budget with rising health costs, competitive salaries for our teachers and staff, along with curriculum development for the needs of our students? Can we tackle the needs of our ELL and Special Education population by providing them with the best education possible? What about providing new sports programs, clubs, and extracurricular activities without putting too much burden on our taxpayers/community? All of these issues will need to be tackled by the BOE while trying to walk a fine line of fulfilling them.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of Hillsborough Schools?

My favorite thing about the Hillsborough Schools is the great education that the teachers provide. Students are given the gift of working with teachers who care not only about their subject and programs but their students as well. My daughter is pursuing a degree in English. She was deeply inspired by the exceptional educators who mentored her throughout her academic career. Through their unwavering guidance and support, she discovered her passion and built the confidence to pursue her academic goals.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

My campaign will always lead back to the student. We all want the minimum tax increases, the best curriculum possible, the greatest variety of activities, and support for the best teachers and staff in our schools. But we need to remember what will be best for our children and how they will benefit most.