Greetings Community Leaders, Family, and Friends:

It is with immense pleasure that I introduce myself as a candidate for the Cumberland County School Board in District 1 in 2024. 

I am Mary A. Hales, a proud graduate and a retired administrator of the Cumberland County School System. My tenure with Cumberland County Schools lasted more than thirty years.  My work experience also include work as a mental health counselor in a private psychiatric hospital, teaching in the Department of Continuing Education at Fayetteville Technical Community College and a State Assistance Team Leader with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

My educational achievements include earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Elementary Education, a master’s degree in Educational Administration, and a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. I am also certified on the master’s degree levels in middle school Mathematics and Language Arts.I possess a North Carolina Real Estate License and serve as a Notary Public for the State of North Carolina.

While I am proud of my academic accomplishments, there has been no greater reward as a teacher or administrator than equipping and empowering students to excel academically and prepare them to be successful in life.  As a member of the Samuel Council Chapter of the 555th Parachute Infantry Association (Triple Nickels), I continue to assist students in being successful by my participation in awarding scholarships to high school seniors in Cumberland, Hoke, and Harnett Counties. I have served on the Cumberland County Council of the North Carolina Parent-Teacher Association and as President of the Cumberland County Association of Principals and Assistant Principals.  My love for children and youth guided me into becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent during a significant period of my career.

Becoming a school board member would enable me to make decisions that would positively impact students and equip them to truly become contributing and productive members of our community and society.

As an experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate educator, I will utilize all the knowledge and wisdom I learned in the classroom and as an administrator to make the best decisions to enhance the opportunity for success for “All Students, Faculty, and Staff”.

I hope you will agree with me when I say “All Children” deserve a quality and equitable education.  

I humbly ask for your assistance to help me achieve these goals and to assist me in this campaign journey.  Contributions may be made at DONATIONS.