Trustee May

CHARLENE MAY 

I am running for re-election as Trustee for Wards 12 & 14.  I have a degree in environmental sciences and professional work experience in oilfield reclamation, groundwater monitoring, and hazardous waste disposal. I’ve run a dayhome, volunteered with Girl Guides and school councils, and currently serve as Secretary of my Community Association, helping replace playgrounds, community events, and secure granting for large projects.

As Trustee, I helped change CBE’s capital ranking criteria to better meet the needs of newer and developing communities. I moved to require police checks for Trustees and voted to protect Discovering Choices at their locations. I’ve celebrated three new school openings, helped create the #proudtobeCBE campaign, and worked with school councils encouraging and building collaboration across Wards 11/12/13/14 with Trustee Close. I have served internal and external roles (Vice Chair, Elders Advisory,  Governance, Remuneration, ATA CSR, EducationMatters, plus many more).

Many people will choose to elect their representatives on a single issue, shared values, connections or how they publicly advocate. For those who haven’t met me, I am on the quiet side, but please know that I am listening and truly care and commit to raising your concerns. I’m committed to open conversations with community members and officials, to advocating for accessible, well-funded public schools. I value a democratically elected board that is focused on every child’s success.

My hope is that you can see me in yourself as your re-elected trustee. I am ready and committed to public service and for continued advocacy for the people, capital, and financial resources needed.

I am confident that regardless of who is elected to this position on October 20th, that with a collective focus on student success, that communities will thrive.

COMMUNITY

South Calgary continues to face significant challenges due to underinvestment in capital infrastructure. Families are grappling with school lotteries, overcrowded classrooms, long bus commutes, and limited access to essential programming.

I remain committed to advocating for new schools and expanded learning spaces (modulars and additions), while ensuring our aging infrastructure is properly maintained.

The opening of  Bayside, Lakeshore, and Mahogany Schools marked an important  first few steps in Wards 12 & 14 but its only the beginning.

The announcement for design funding for Mahogany Middle school was welcome news, but not enough to fully support the populations in nearby developing communities. 

I was proud to push for change to the CBE ranking criteria to demonstrate the need for schools sooner, built larger, ask for additions, and demonstrate the needs for more high school spaces. 

This resulted in the South and Southeast finally having school requests high on our capital plan submission to Alberta Education. 

I am actively advocating to secure provincial funding through the School Accelerator Program so that families in Mahogany,  Seton, Legacy, Walden, Wolf Willow, Rangeview and Hotchkiss can benefit from the stability and opportunity that a community school provides.


PUBLIC SERVICE 

I am dedicated to public service,  public education, and serving Calgarians. My priorities include leading with integrity, prioritizing students' needs, and strengthening our communities. I believe that students, families, and educators should be fully equipped and supported to realize their highest potential.

My focus is on maintaining governance, exercising diligent oversight, and upholding the public’s trust through responsible fiscal stewardship.

Board of Trustees | About Us | Calgary Board of Education



 

PUBLIC EDUCATION

Provincial funding and the CBE budget needs to prioritize funding for school classrooms, supports and services and while  maintaining choice and stability in programming for students. 

A strong public education is possible when all levels of government work together.   

It takes a village to raise a child, and a strong network to successfully campaign. Please share my website with friends and neighbors and proudly display a re-elect Charlene May lawn sign.  

The Calgary Board of Education acknowledges the traditional territories and oral practices of the Treaty 7 Nations, including the Siksikaitsitapi, comprised of the Siksika, the Kainai, the Piikani, and the Amskapi Piikani Nations. We acknowledge the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Îyârhe Nakoda, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney Nations, the Métis Nation within Alberta, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of southern Alberta.This land on which we gather is traditionally known as Moh’kinstsis (Blackfoot), Guts’ists’i (Tsuut’ina), Wîchîspa (Nakoda), and otôskwanihk (Northern Michif & Cree).As a learning organization, we are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focused on Education for ReconciliACTION.