Clay County School Board

Two Clay County School Board seats are up for election ballot this year.

• In District 2, incumbent Carol Studdard won 39% of the three-way August contest and faces Beth Clark in the general election
• In District 4, incumbent Mary Bolla defeated Rod Herring in August voting and is elected.

These are nonpartisan races open to all voters and will appear on the August primary ballot.

Scroll down to read each candidate’s responses to News4Jax’s questionnaire, presented verbatim as submitted.

Beth Clark

Party affiliation: NPA

Age: 63

Candidate’s family: Husband and one adult son

Occupation: Residential Real Estate

Education: Jacksonville University-Business

Political experience: None

What do you see as the top three issues in this race?

1. Making Clay County desirable again to both staff and families
2. Keeping the quality of education high and back to always being in the single digits in State rankings
3. Managing the growth while being responsible to the citizens

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

Remembering the children are the #1 priority while also being responsible to the citizens who vote you in

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Being fiscally responsible while bringing Clay to one of the top 5 rankings in the State

If elected how would you address the calls for racial justice?

Policy of the School Board is to protect the rights of every student and staff while maintaining a quality of education. It would be my responsibility to protect everyone's rights equally.

What challenges does COVID-19 present to the office you are seeking?

Internet learning was not easy on parents nor teachers but Clay did a remarkable job at getting things done smoothly.

Campaign website: (no answer)

Campaign’s social media pages: Facebook

Carol Studdard

Party affiliation: Rep. (Non partisan seat)

Age: 75

Candidate’s family: Husband, James 3 Grown Daughters, 4 Grandchildren

Occupation: Clay County School Board Member

Education: University of Alabama

Political experience: Clay County School Board Member 7 terms

What do you see as the top three issues in this race?

1. The best way to educate our students in the midst of the pandemic.
2. Funding to build 5 new schools to meet projected growth coming from the new outer beltway.
3. Never losing sight of the fact that educating our students must always be our first priority.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

My many years of experience on the Clay County School Board, including 9 years as Chairman, have given me the historical knowledge that we need in making future decisions. I have a great working relationship with our staff, teachers, support employees, and parents.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

Any small part that I have played in making our district an "A" District and being ranked 8th in the state. I also take pride that we now have a Performing Arts Elementary School in Clay County. I strongly supported putting Clay County History in our curriculum and am proud that our students are now receiving this.

If elected how would you address the calls for racial justice?

I will not tolerate racial injustice. The School Board sets policy and our policy does not condone racial injustice or bullying.

What challenges does COVID-19 present to the office you are seeking?

We must continue to provide a top quality education for our students with safety for the students and staff being our top priority.

Campaign website: (no answer)

Campaign’s social media pages: Facebook