Local Businesswoman Announces Candidacy For School Board

Press release from Shelley Clark for School Board:

July 22, 2020

DANVILLE, California - Shelley Clark, HR/Finance Manager of the West Cal Technologies Group, Inc., has announced her candidacy for the San Ramon Valley Unified District ("SRVUSD") Board of Education representing Area 2.

“It is time for new leadership. We need a fresh voice that will repair the trust of the community and bring everyone together to achieve our common goals, especially in this time of crisis. That is not happening now. My priority is increased fiscal accountability and transparency within the District and from the Board,” Clark said. “If I am elected, I will do that.”

Area 2 is currently held by incumbent Greg Marvel and encompasses portions of San Ramon Valley High School and Monte Vista neighborhoods (click here for a map of Area 2). The election for the SRVUSD School Board is nonpartisan and will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020.

“I am running for School Board because I am a concerned parent and community leader,” Clark said. “As a proud resident of Danville, I am troubled by some of the recent decisions made by this Board and the lack of transparency. I feel passionately about the social and emotional well-being of the young people in our District. I have a proven record of advocating for students, parents, and teachers. Community members and organizations trust me. If elected, I will continue to advocate for those voices.”

Clark was one of four finalists for the Board seat vacated by Denise Jennison in 2018. She said that she had been contemplating running in 2020; however, when she learned about the “way the current school board was making financial and educational decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic,” she was concerned and decided to act.

In the past twelve years, Clark has brought about many positive changes as a leader in the community, including helping to raise over $400,000 for schools in the District, advocating for the building of over 200 parking spaces at SRVHS, and advocating to preserve the 7th (“A” or “Zero”) period for high schools in the District. She was also one of the founding members of the Challenge Success program at SRVHS, a program that supports student well-being and engagement with learning.

A Danville resident for over 30 years, Clark has two children who attended SRVUSD schools. She works tirelessly for the students, parents, and teachers in SRVUSD including as PTA and Booster Group President at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. In addition, she chaired a variety of committees at her children's schools, including school Registration and Grad Night at San Ramon Valley High School.

Her work as Chairperson of the SRVUSD Parcel Tax Oversight Committee and Vice-Chair of the SRVUSD Facilities Oversight Committee has given her great insight into the workings of district finances and how funds are allocated. Seventeen years as an HR/Finance Manager for a tech company has also prepared her to be both fiscally and financially savvy.
“I’m ready to make a difference by bringing my business experience and leadership abilities to advocate for a high quality, equitable and safe education for all students in SRVUSD,” Clark said.

This press release was produced by Shelley Clark for School Board. The views expressed here are the author's own.