Education Beyond the Classroom: Building a Stronger Community Together
Mel Copley is your current Chinook’s Edge School Division School Board Trustee for Ward 9 - Carstairs/Cremona, bringing over 8 years of proven leadership and success to our School Division. During her time on the Board, she has championed school expansions, secured land for future growth, improved transportation efficiency, strengthened partnerships with municipalities, and made communication with parents more transparent and responsive. Her record shows that she not only listens but also delivers results that matter to families in our rural communities. Beyond the Board table, Melissa draws on more than 20 years of professional experience in banking and technology consulting, sharpening the organizational and problem-solving skills that make her an effective advocate for our schools. A dedicated mother of four and long-time Carstairs resident, Melissa combines experience, heart, and vision to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive and she is ready to continue that work for the next four years.
About Your Trustee
Dedicated Trustee. Proven Leader. Community Advocate.
Mel Copley has served Ward 9 - Carstairs/Cremona with integrity and commitment for more than eight years. In that time, she has guided our Division through growth and change, ensuring that parents’ voices are heard and students’ needs come first.
As Trustee, Melissa has:
Expanded local schools to provide more space and better facilities for a growing student population.
Secured land for future school development, keeping our division ready for what’s ahead.
Strengthened transportation systems with cost-efficient solutions that keep funding focused on classrooms.
Built strong partnerships with municipalities, ensuring schools remain at the heart of our communities.
Improved communication with parents and families, making the Board more transparent and accessible.
Melissa’s ability to get results, not just talk about them, sets her apart in her personal, professional and civic responsibilities
Community Roots
Melissa and her husband chose Carstairs more than 20 years ago as the place to raise their four children. Since then, they have been active in nearly every corner of community life.
You’ll often see Melissa at the arena, Memorial Park, school gymnasium, or ball diamond, cheering on friends, families, students and lending support. She regularly attends town markets, school celebrations and career days, connecting with families in ways that matter and championing the unique rural spirit of Central Alberta.
Her commitment extends beyond the schools; In past, she has contributed her leadership to organizations such as Carstairs20/20, the Carstairs Agricultural Society, and the Carstairs & Community Chamber of Commerce. She understands the importance of small-town strength and the role education plays in building that future.
Professional Experience That Adds Value
Before stepping into the role of Trustee, Melissa spent 20 years in the banking industry, honing skills in collaboration, negotiation, and problem-solving. Today, she works in technology consulting for financial institutions, guiding organizations through innovation and transformative growth.
These experiences make her uniquely equipped to serve as Trustee. Her professional background brings:
Financial discipline to ensure responsible and effective decision-making.
Strategic thinking to deliberately navigate change with foresight and clarity.
Collaborative leadership to bring diverse voices together at the Board table.
Melissa’s external experience strengthens her ability to advocate effectively for students, parents, and educators in Ward 9.
A Trustee Who Listens
Melissa prides herself on being accessible. Parents know they can count on her for a quick reply to emails or phone calls, or even a casual coffee to talk through concerns. She believes effective leadership starts with listening and responding.
As she looks to the next term, Melissa remains focused on three priorities:
Delivery & Innovation – connecting education to children’s future goals with new tools and approaches.
Facilities & Programming – keeping schools vibrant, practical, and connected to their communities.
Community Connection – ensuring parents, councils, and partners all have a voice.
Melissa believes in our schools, our communities, and, most importantly, our children. Her vision is simple: to ensure every student in Ward 9 has the opportunity to succeed and feel excited about their education.
2025-2029
The communities in this ward are unique; they are both uniquely passionate and extremely involved. I have had many conversations with each community and will continue to focus on
Cremona School
Academic & Sports availability/accessibility
Career Exploration Opportunities
Parent Council Growth
Carstairs Community Schools
New High School & Bus Loop
Programming Expansion
Community Connections
The role of a Trustee cannot focus solely on their schools and communities. In order to create a balanced and positive growth environment, the Division and neighboring communities must be understood and appreciated.
Mel wants to hear from you.
Whether you have a question, an idea, or a concern about our schools, she is committed to listening and responding. Parents, teachers, and community members know they can count on her for a quick reply - by email, phone, or even over a cup of coffee.
