Clark wins outright after opponent’s disqualification
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following the recent news of Sharon Clark’s outright election to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to represent District 2 due to the disqualification of Eric J. Jones, DFER Louisiana’s Executive Director, Terrence Lockett, released the following statement:
“DFER Louisiana congratulates Mrs. Clark on this outright victory. We applaud the work she’s done across the New Orleans public school system and in the community for over 20 years and we look forward to working with her as she begins her first term on BESE in January. Sharon is a champion for students and through her experience as a public school teacher and principal, understands the importance of advancing innovative and progressive policies that support our students and families in New Orleans and across Louisiana.
“Sharon is a leader who’s proven to be deeply committed to her city and her community, and I’m confident that her leadership will bring a fresh perspective to BESE. Parents across the state are demanding changes in the way public schools serve students; and I believe Sharon is ready to tackle those challenges head on to significantly improve the public school experience for Louisiana students and families,” said Lockett.
With a career in public education spanning over 25 years, Clark began as a para-educator and English teacher in the Houston Independent school district before returning to New Orleans to teach English at Frederick Douglass High School. She went on to serve as an Assistant Principal in Phoenix, Ariz., before returning to New Orleans once again to take the reins of Sophie B. Wright High School, where she has served as principal since 2001. A graduate of Xavier Prep High School in New Orleans, Clark earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Xavier University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Orleans.
DFER Louisiana will release formal endorsements in contested races for BESE and the legislature in the coming weeks.
The primary election for the Legislature, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Governor’s race and other statewide races will be on Saturday, Oct. 14. Early voting will take place Saturday, Sept. 30 through Saturday, Oct. 7 (except Sunday, Oct. 1) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
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