This week, we invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 5 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Kathleen Clark, who is running for Arlington School Board.
Vote for Kathleen Clark: An Experienced Advocate for All Arlington Students
Dear Arlington Community,
My name is Kathleen Clark. I am running for Arlington School Board and am honored to be one of the two candidates endorsed by the Arlington County Democratic Committee. My journey as a lifelong Arlingtonian, along with my personal and professional experiences, has uniquely prepared me to champion the needs of every student in Arlington Public Schools (APS).
As a proud graduate of APS—having attended Taylor, Tuckahoe, Swanson, and Yorktown High School (class of ’95)—I have witnessed the transformation of our school system. After pursuing my Bachelors of Science at East Carolina University (with degrees in Business Management and Spanish), I have enjoyed a 26 year career at Gap, Inc., where I have spent the last 16+ years as an internal auditor. As an auditor, I am uniquely equipped with the finance, data, and analytical skills necessary for effective leadership on our school board.
My commitment to our community is demonstrated through over six years of service on the Dominion Hills Civic Association Board, my role as President of the Special Education PTA (SEPTA), and my service as a liaison for the County Council of PTAs. I have actively participated in shaping APS’s future, including serving as Vice Chair for the 2024-2030 Strategic Plan and advocating for essential programs such as anti-bullying training and a parent training initiative addressing the impact of drug use on neurodiverse students.
As a parent of three children in APS, including two who are Autistic and one who is identified as gifted, I deeply understand the diverse spectrum of learning needs in our schools. My family’s experiences have fueled my passion for ensuring that EVERY child receives the support and resources they need to thrive.
The challenges facing our system are complex, particularly the imbalanced enrollment across schools. Decisions made during the 1980s—when schools were closed due to declining enrollment—have contributed to our current predicament. As the population began to grow again, APS faced significant hurdles over the last 15 years: new schools were built in less-than-ideal locations and significant funds were poured into remodels, leading to substantial capital funding requirements and increased demands on transportation (to address the less-than-ideal locations). All this placed strain on classrooms and our educators, who were tasked with meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse population with fewer resources and larger classroom sizes.
As a school board member, I am committed to addressing these challenges head-on. My plan includes:
- Prioritizing a Sustainable Operating Budget: Aligning funding with our Strategic Plan goals to ensure competitive pay and retention of our dedicated APS staff.
- Supporting Differentiated Instruction: Providing educators with the time and resources they need to tailor instruction for our diverse student population, ensuring that every child benefits from a rigorous education.
- Reviewing Policies for Efficacy: Ensuring our policies are practical, equitable, responsive to data, and financially prudent, so that all students, regardless of their school or background, have the opportunity to achieve the same academic outcomes.
- Engaging with the Community: Actively collaborating with parents, teachers, and community members to ensure our school system meets the holistic needs of all students, especially their social-emotional well-being. Students who feel safe and welcomed are more likely to engage and succeed academically.
Arlington deserves a school board member who not only understands the complexities of our educational system and community but is also passionate about advocating for every student. I am committed to being that voice. Together, we can ensure that Arlington Public Schools is a place where all students can succeed and thrive.
Vote Kathleen Clark for Arlington School Board—because every child deserves an advocate.
Thank you for your support!
Kathleen Clark
