Candidate: Beth Clark

Native of Northeast Florida, graduate of Robert E. Lee High School located in Jacksonville's Riverside area, graduate of Jacksonville University in Business, and a resident of Clay County since 1983.  First worked in acounting for 31 years before entering residential Real Estate in 2005.  Member of Grace Anglican Church, married with one son, I have participated as a parent in Clay Schools as volunteer, member of the School Advisory Council and as a business partner.

As a resident of Clay County, I want to see the impending growth managed in a manner that attracts and fosters quality of life for all of our community.  Imperative to that is the school system that provides the best possible educational experience for our families.  I believe that with my professional background that I could bring a fresh set of eyes to the Clay County District Schools. My business background gives me an understanding of budgeting and management within budgets, while my experience as a Realtor gives me background knowledge of the community.

As a parent of a graduate of the system, I have first hand knowledge of the success a child can achieve in the Clay County District and the preparation it gives students in their future endeavors.  As a Real Estate agent, I hear weekly that young families moving to our area are looking not only for affordable housing in a safe neighborhood, but those with children, or planning families, are first and foremost looking for quality educational opportunities.  Good schools are a number #1 priority.  As a member of the School Board of Clay County, my goal would be to work collaboratively with the other members of the board and the superitendent to support those serving the needs of the children.  This needs to be done in a productive and cost-effective manner.  I would come to this position with no personal agenda, but with an open mind to discuss and research the policies and practices that would move Clay County District Schools back to one of the top four districts in the state.

I truly believe that every child should have a nurturing and safe school environment and that every teacher and administrator should be supported in providing that envoronment,  I also believe that schools are a reflection of the communnity.  It is the duty of the school board to set the tone for that reflection.  As a member of the board, I will work diligently in collaboration with my peers, the superintendent and the other community agencies to provide our school community the support and resource that they need to provide the schools that our community desires for our children.