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Our Board

About Our Board

The Albany Unified School District Board of Education provides vision, governance, and oversight to support student success, equity, and academic excellence.

The Board consists of five members elected at large who may serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.

In accordance with the California Education Code, the Board’s responsibilities include:

  • Setting the District’s vision, goals, and policies.
  • Reviewing and approving the District’s budget and authorizing expenditures.
  • Employing and evaluating the Superintendent.

The Board welcomes community input and considers it in its deliberations and decisions, guided by the best interests of all students.

2026 Board Election: An election is underway for four Board seats: the seats held by Josh Mahoney, Becky Hopwood, and Melissa Boyd, and one currently vacant seat. Newly elected and re-elected members will be seated in December 2026.

Meet Our Board

To contact the Board, email boardofed@ausdk12.org. Messages to this address go to all Board members and the Superintendent.

Josh Mahoney

President

Term & liaisons

Board Term: Aug 2024 – Dec 2026
Officer History: VP 2024–25; President 2025–26
Liaisons: Ocean View Elementary; Board Policy Committee; Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee; Facilities Master Planning & Technology Master Planning Committees

Dayna Inkeles

Vice President

Term & liaisons

Board Term: Dec 2024 – Dec 2028
Officer History: VP 2025–26
Liaisons: Albany Middle School; Facilities Master Planning Committee; All Instructional Leadership Team (ALL ILT); UC Gill Tract Community Farm Dean's Advisory Committee

Becky Hopwood

Trustee

Term & liaisons

Board Term: Dec 2022 – Dec 2026
Officer History: VP 2023–24; President 2024–25
Liaisons: Marin Elementary; Albany Children's Center; District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC); Special Education Advisory Committee; ALL ILT

Melissa Boyd, Esq.

Trustee

Term & liaisons

Board Term (Appointed): Sept 2025 – Dec 2026
Previous Term (Elected): Dec 2020 – Dec 2024; VP 2022–23
Liaisons: Cornell Elementary School; Board Policy Committee; Student Achievement Committee (SAC); Superintendent's Equity Council

Vacant Seat

To be filled

This seat will be filled through the November 2026 election. The new member will be seated in December 2026.

Student Trustees

Advisory

MacKenzie Shepherd (2024–2027)
Charlie Bollin-Small (2026–2027)

Board member profiles with photos and biographies are coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Board of Education

While the Board plays an important leadership and governance role, it is not involved in the day-to-day operation of schools. The questions below help explain the difference.

What does the Board of Education do?

The Board's primary responsibilities include:

  • Sets the vision, goals, and priorities for the District.
  • Adopts Board policies that guide how the District operates.
  • Approves the annual budget and oversees the District's finances.
  • Hires, supports, and evaluates the Superintendent.
  • Approves major contracts, curriculum adoptions, and significant district initiatives.
  • Represents the interests of the entire Albany Unified community.
  • Makes decisions during public Board meetings after considering staff recommendations and community input.
What does the Board not do?

The Board does not:

  • Manage the day-to-day operations of schools.
  • Supervise principals, teachers, or other employees.
  • Direct staff members or tell employees how to perform their jobs.
  • Handle individual student discipline, grades, or classroom concerns.
  • Make decisions about individual personnel matters.
  • Respond to operational issues such as transportation, facilities maintenance, or daily school schedules.
  • Make decisions outside of publicly noticed Board meetings.
Who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the District?

The Superintendent is responsible for leading the District's daily operations. The Superintendent works with principals and district staff to implement Board policies, oversee schools, manage employees, develop the budget, and ensure students receive a high-quality education.

Can individual Board members solve my problem?

No. Individual Board members do not have the authority to direct staff or make decisions on behalf of the District. Board members can listen to concerns, help explain Board policies, and encourage community members to follow the appropriate process, but decisions are made only by the Board acting together during a public meeting.

How does the Board make decisions?

The Board makes decisions during public meetings that comply with California's open meeting laws. Members review information provided by district staff, hear public comment, ask questions, discuss the issue, and then vote in public.

Can I speak to the Board?

Yes. Community members are encouraged to attend Board meetings and may provide public comment on agenda items or on matters within the Board's jurisdiction. Meeting agendas, materials, and instructions for public comment are posted before each meeting.

Does the Board represent individual schools?

No. Although Board members may live in different parts of the community, each member represents all students, families, staff, and community members throughout Albany Unified.

How can I stay informed about Board decisions?

You can:

Concerns & Complaints

1Addressing Concerns

Have a Concern? Follow these steps to get support 🔍 Click to enlarge

We value open, two-way communication with families. The person closest to the issue (teacher, coach, counselor, or principal) is usually best able to help, so please start there. We ask everyone to remain respectful throughout the process.

If your question is about… Start with…
A classroom, assignment, or grade The teacher
A school issue The principal
A district program or department The appropriate district office department
A districtwide policy or Board decision The Superintendent or Board of Education

Most issues are resolved fastest this way.

2Formal Complaints

If the issue isn't resolved by following the steps above, a formal complaint process may apply. Title IX and UCP concerns may be reported directly, without completing the steps above. Visit our Concerns & Complaints page for procedures, forms, and contact information.

Sexual Harassment & Title IX

Report sexual harassment or other sex discrimination to the District’s Title IX Coordinator listed below.

Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP)

UCP covers student discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying based on a protected characteristic, as well as certain violations of state or federal education requirements. Email complaint@ausdk12.org for assistance identifying the appropriate process and submitting a complaint.

Title IX Coordinator
Deb Brill, Executive Director of Student Services
dbrill@ausdk12.org | (510) 558-3750 ext. 3771
Which Formal Complaint Process Applies? 🔍 Click to enlarge