A proud graduate of Hillsboro High School, Class of 2004, Mrs. Hope McBrain has dedicated her career to education and her hometown community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in 2008, followed by a Master of Science in Educational Administration in 2015, and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Administration in 2023, also from SIUE.

Mrs. McBrain began her teaching career in 2008 as a fourth-grade teacher at Beckemeyer Elementary School. Over the years, she also taught second grade, fifth grade, and served as a Title I reading specialist. In 2019, she transitioned into leadership as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Grant Services. In 2025, she was honored to be named Superintendent of Hillsboro CUSD.

A lifelong resident of Hillsboro, Illinois, Mrs. McBrain is deeply invested in the success of the district, not only as an educator but also as a parent. She and her husband are raising two children who currently attend schools within the district.