Hi, friends. My name is Melyssa Bowen, and I am running for re-election as a Rocky View School Board Trustee for Airdrie (Ward 3). Having served two terms in my role, I continue to be a dedicated representative for my community, with an unending passion for public education.
My children are growing up in Rocky View schools, and the relationships that my family has built with their teachers and within our school communities are important to me. What started as a desire to be an invested parent (volunteering in their schools and on school council) led to trusteeship. I’m so grateful for the trust that my community has placed in me.
Statement of beliefs
Public education is the most important investment we make together in our society. In a public education system (where all students are welcome), we have the power to positively impact all other societal systems. I believe schools are a vital space for students to learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging, and that school environments should support cognitive, kinesthetic, creative, and social-emotional learning that recognizes the diverse needs of learners. With adequate funding in our public schools, we can meet the needs of all learners, address inequities, and provide learning opportunities that will set students and our society up for success.
Priority areas
Advocating for school infrastructure, lower class sizes, and investment in public education.
Engaging with teachers, parents, and community members to include their voices in Board decisions.
Supporting safe and inclusive learning and working environments for all students and staff.
Views on funding
Education funding in Alberta needs to increase considerably to improve current classroom conditions and ensure we have the necessary funding to address enrolment growth and rising costs going forward. Growing school divisions like Rocky View have been negatively impacted by recent funding formulas used to determine our overall funding and we need to continue to advocate for a predictable, stable, and adequate formula that supports all students.
I believe that school boards, as representatives of their communities, are in the best position to make decisions about their school division’s budget. While awaiting a much-needed increase to our overall funding, I take my responsibility for setting budget priorities and allocating the dollars we do receive, very seriously.
How learning conditions can be improved
Lowering class sizes is one of the most important first steps to improving current classroom conditions. We also need to determine how we can best support students with complex needs and reflect on inclusion practices to ensure the success of all students.
While funding for teaching and support staff is what will primarily address the issues, school boards can and should reflect on what we can do to ensure that teachers and support staff feel valued, respected, and supported.
How trustees and school boards can best support teachers
Teachers need to know that their school board and its trustees will advocate alongside them for improvements within our school division and our public education system. I genuinely believe the statement that teachers’ working conditions are children’s learning conditions, and I make decisions with that in mind.
I am incredibly dedicated to my work as a trustee, and incredibly grateful for the work that teachers do. I hope that my commitment to building positive relationships within Rocky View is evident.
Views on the new K-6 curriculum
I believe that the success of developing and implementing a new education curriculum is dependent on collaboration with teachers and school boards, as well as meaningful engagement with the public. Teachers that are in the classroom are in the best position to inform and help shape the learning of students, and I will always advocate for their direct involvement.