About Me

My name is Tanner May-Poole and I am running for School Trustee on the October 17 municipal election in Area 5 (Victoria) to serve our community in the Greater Victoria School District (SD61).

I am lucky enough to call Victoria my home and I currently live in Fernwood. I have also been able to enjoy throughout the city, including James Bay, Fairfield, Downtown and North Park. My wife is a teacher, and we are raising two children who attend a local public school. Public education is something I care about not only professionally as a community member and active PAC member, but personally as a parent.

My decision to run for the SD61 school board comes directly from my own life experiences and journey as a parent. When I was 20, a brain injury left me with epilepsy, and I spent years working through recovery. Today, as the proud parent of a daughter who is DHH, I know exactly what families go through when advocating for classroom support, resources, and staffing. The structure and budget of SD61 aren’t just line items on a page to me, they affect our daily lives. I am running because our board needs trustees who have a direct, personal stake in our schools' success and who will fiercely protect students, families, and staff. I am ready to bring this focus to the boardroom by partnering with families, backing teachers and staff, and prioritizing students.

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Through my family’s experiences in our school system, I understand how important strong, safe, and well-supported schools are for students, families, teachers, and the broader community. I also understand many of the pressures facing education today.

Professionally, I work in the BC Public Service as a Director. I have developed a strong understanding of how public-sector decision are made and how to balance the environment, community and practical considerations. I believe this experience would allow me to contribute thoughtfully and responsibly if I am elected as a trustee. 

I have previously instructed students while employed by a school board as an outdoor education instructor, worked as an environmental engineer, and been a political advocate volunteer for Engineers Without Borders. All of this experience has shaped the approach I take in the workplace and help me grow professionally. 

I believe that an effective board of education here in Victoria starts with listening. I want families, staff, students, and community members to feel heard and respected, and I would work to bring a balanced, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to the board table.