Melrose Candidate Profile: Camarie Clark For School Committee

MELROSE, MA — The municipal election is fast approaching in Melrose, and the School Committee is one of the most contested races.

Melrose Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles leading up to November.

Camarie Clark is running for School Committee in Melrose.

Age
53 years old

Position sought
School Committee

Party affiliation
Unenrolled/Independent

Family

I have been married to my husband for over 22 years. We have 3 Melrose school children - a graduate, a high schooler and an elementary school student.

Education
Graduate of Bedford High School and UC San Diego,

Occupation
I currently work as a project manager and data analyst in healthcare. Previously, I worked at the American Cancer Society as a Field Executive, working with the community to support and fundraise for cancer patients, survivors and families. I have also worked as an advisor to many hospitals throughout New England, from Senior Leadership to frontline staff, supporting their efforts to improve the patient experience. In my roles throughout my career, collaboration and teamwork has been critical. For each successful project, a good team that has the ability to ask questions, leads to better defined goals, outcomes and long term success.

Previous or Current Elected Office

This is my first time running for any elected position.

Campaign Facebook Page

Camarie Clark for Melrose School Committee

Why are you seeking elected office?

Two reasons, First, I feel as if I have something to contribute to the city. And second, I want to set an example for my kids, particularly my 9 year old daughter, that working outside of your comfort zone helps you learn and grow.

The single most-pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is __________ and this is what I intend to do about it.The hiring of a strong, long term superintendent that the committee will collaborate and work with. With a good leader, the schools can better define their direction, goals and success.

What are the critical differences between you and other candidates seeking this post?

I'm an unenrolled voter, willing to listen to everyone's ideas and opinions.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Stability, sustainability and leadership through listening.

We need to stabilize our schools, 4 superintendents in 4 years leaves us without a consistent direction. We need a leader who will stick around and help us achieve what we all want, a good education for all of our children.

Each decision, from budget to curriculum, needs an eye on how it will impact the schools this year and for many years to come. Each decision needs to have a long term view. Without that, we will not be looking at the unintended consequences.

Listening to all voices. We need to cultivate ideas and opinions from all residents. As a school committee member, my goal is to be better informed and reflect the community in my role. I have my own ideas, but this isn't about me, it is about the community as whole.

The best advice ever shared with me was __________

It is supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico and went to Virginia to attend college where she met my dad. We were a military family and moved around a lot in my early years. That much moving helped me to be open to all communities, cultures and people. Each place and person impacted my world view. We all have our own experiences and there is value in learning from others. There is nothing more informative than face to face honest discussions. What I bring to the role is my honest goal of cultivating voices and advocating for my community.

See Also:

Medford Candidate Profile: Emily Lazzaro For City Council