Beth Clark’s Candidate Statement
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, I 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.
First-hand Knowledge
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, I have worked in a combined effort with the other members of the board and the superintendent to support those serving the needs of the children. This was done productively and cost-effectively. I serve as a school board member with no personal agenda, but with an open mind to discuss and research the policies and practices moving Clay County District Schools back to one of the top four districts in the state.
Promises Made, Promises Kept
One of my main campaign promises from 2020 was reviewing the need to change our own District Police force from being run from the inside to being run by an outside force, such as the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
In reviewing, I found out quickly that it was imperative and in fact, what I read in the Grand Jury report backed it up. The bottom line is, that you cannot ever have the fox guarding the hen house.
Recently, I was invited to tour Marjorie Stoneman Douglas HS before it is to be torn down, now that all trials have been completed. As the SB representative for Clay, to say it was overwhelming would be an understatement. The shooting in Parkland, FL took place on Valentine’s Day, 2018. Everything was left as it was on that day. From cards to flowers, my biggest takeaway was how many of the students must have felt not being able to enter classrooms due to locked doors, trapped in the halls. How can we do things differently?
Max Schachter, the Father of Adam who was gunned down that day, has led a team to come up with necessary improvements. Four areas are being revamped. 1) Prevention 2) Mitigation (training for example) 3) Response and 4) Recovery (taking care of survivors).
While we know the percentage of incidences is very low, it is necessary we do everything possible to always be ready. One event is too much. Our students’ safety is #1.
I truly believe that every child should have a nurturing and safe school environment. Every teacher and administrator should be supported in providing that environment. I also believe that schools are a reflection of the community. It is the duty of the school board to set the tone for that reflection. As a member, I have worked diligently in collaboration with my peers, the superintendent, and the other community agencies to provide our school community the support and resources necessary to provide the schools that our community desires for our children.
The First Term
It has been an interesting first term, from pornographic books in our libraries that do not belong, to having our Legislators create common sense rules so our students are safe in the bathrooms.
One of the reasons I ran in 2020, was because, in March 2020, the Clay School Board (SB) voted to shut schools down due to Covid-19. In April I then filed to run, wanting to be that vote to possibly help reopen our schools. Unknown to me, while I was campaigning, our Governor stepped up and did what was necessary and mandated that FL schools open. We now know nationwide, as well as locally, the effect that has had on our children.
We must teach our children that love for GOD, Country, and family is not a thing of the past but is the future that will sustain our freedoms. Being a Patriot is not a bad thing. Children cannot be spoon-fed information but must learn to question and know how to use “critical thinking” and think for themselves.
I do not feel my work is done. I am currently reviewing a major topic of policy in fact and hope in fact to introduce it before this year’s election.
Take a moment to listen to a past podcast from The Clay County Beacon Podcast; recorded 09/14/20.
Call Beth directly. > ph 904-264-4499
Send her an email message. > [email protected]
Connect with Beth on Facebook.
> Facebook.com/VoteBethCCSB