Mark Clement
2023 - Present
2025
1
Mark Clement is a member of the Alpine School District in Utah, representing District 5. He assumed office on January 2, 2023. His current term ends on January 6, 2025.
Clement is running for re-election to the Alpine School District to represent District 5 in Utah. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024. He advanced from the primary on June 25, 2024.
Clement completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mark Clement was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1985 and a Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 1994. Clement's career experience includes working as a professor with Brigham Young University's department of computer science, with Intel, and with Digital Equipment Corporation.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Alpine School District, Utah, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Alpine School District, District 5
Incumbent Mark Clement and John T. Gadd are running in the general election for Alpine School District, District 5 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | Mark Clement (Nonpartisan)  | |
 | John T. Gadd (Nonpartisan) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Alpine School District, District 5
Incumbent Mark Clement and John T. Gadd defeated Tracy McMillan in the primary for Alpine School District, District 5 on June 25, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Clement (Nonpartisan) | 49.7 | 2,751 |
| ✔ | | John T. Gadd (Nonpartisan) | 28.4 | 1,569 |
 | Tracy McMillan (Nonpartisan) | 21.9 | 1,210 | |
| Total votes: 5,530 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Alicia Alba (Nonpartisan)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2020
See also: Alpine School District, Utah, elections (2020)
General election
General election for Alpine School District, District 4
Incumbent Mark Clement defeated Robert Webster in the general election for Alpine School District, District 4 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Clement (Nonpartisan) | 79.3 | 13,911 |
 | Robert Webster (Nonpartisan) | 20.7 | 3,624 | |
| Total votes: 17,535 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Mark Clement and Robert Webster advanced from the primary for Alpine School District, District 4.
Endorsements
To view Clement's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
2016
- See also: Alpine School District elections (2016)
Three of the seven seats on the Alpine School District school board were up for by-district general election on November 8, 2016. A primary election was held on June 28, 2016. In District 4, Mark Clement defeated Rachel Thacker for the open seat in the general election. Verlene West lost in the primary election, and Cristie Wood withdrew from the race. District 6 incumbent Scott Carlson won re-election to his seat after defeating Miriam Ellis in the general election and Karrie Wilbur in the primary election. David Cox and Chris Jones withdrew from the race. In District 7, Sara Hacken defeated Joe Rivest in the general election after defeating Kirby Glad in the primary election. John Todd Ashman dropped out of the race.[2]
Results
| Alpine School District, District 4 General Election, 4-year term, 2016 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Mark Clement |
56.22% | 7,778 |
| Rachel Thacker | 43.78% | 6,057 |
| Total Votes | 13,835 | |
| Source: Utah County, Utah, "Official Results," accessed December 5, 2016 | ||
| Alpine School District, District 4 Primary Election, 4-year term, 2016 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Mark Clement |
55.28% | 1,926 |
| Rachel Thacker |
31.89% | 1,111 |
| Verlene West | 12.83% | 447 |
| Total Votes | 3,484 | |
| Source: Utah County, Utah, "Election Summary Report," accessed September 26, 2016 | ||
Funding
Clement reported $5,304.99 in contributions and $5,304.99 in expenditures to the Office of the Utah County Clerk, which left his campaign with $0.00 on hand as of November 1, 2016.[3]
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mark Clement completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Clement's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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While serving as a board member for Alpine School District and as chairman of the School Community Council at Pleasant Grove High School, I have emphasized parental involvement in local decisions. Significant improvements in achievement have occurred as parents, teachers, and administrators work together.
Living in Lindon for the last 28 years, I have seen my 9 children (ages 20 to 39) thrive in Alpine District public schools. I support efforts to offer a rigorous math and science curriculum, and know the importance of strong sports and arts programs because my children have benefited from them.
As a Computer Science professor at BYU, I understand the educational requirements and opportunities associated with careers in science, technology, engineering and math. I would like to increase the use of technology to provide a learning experience that is customized to the needs of the individual. My professional experience has given me insights into the skills students need to learn in high school in order to be successful in college and university studies. Quality education is crucial in helping our country be competitive in a global economy and I am passionate about creating excellent opportunities for our children in Alpine District.
- Student Achievement – The most important element here is quality teachers. I am committed to paying teachers a living wage and in providing the support they need to be successful and to feel fulfilled.
- New School Funding – We currently pay as much as 40% more for buildings if we bond and make interest. I would like to move towards having the district save up for building projects and avoid the interest. This will result in lower taxes and more predictable building schedules.
- Legislative Work – I want to help the legislature to catch the vision of increased educational achievement in Utah and then help to support them in getting there. I spend a lot of time meeting with legislators in Utah and nationally to promote education. I feel that good education benefits all of our citizens as we create a stronger society.
Utah continually ranks near the bottom of states in education funding. I would like to do everything I can to increase teacher salaries and provide improved educational opportunities for our students. I am committed to work with the legislature to make this happen. I spend much of my time during the legislative session meeting with concerned parties to insure that bills are passed with correct information about how they will impact students. I think that this role of working with legislators is one of the most important for school board members.
I am so impressed by Russell M Nelson. His work as a surgeon and religious leader are amazing. He always seems to be optimistic that we can find a solution to any problem.
"The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life"
by David Brooks. My favorite movie is "It's A Wonderful Life". I cry every time I watch it.
- I am committed to moving decision making to the most local level. Empowering principles and classroom teachers to make decisions for their students results in better outcomes.
- Make deliberate decisions based on data. I want to invite the public to contribute to a solution and this takes time.
- Be transparent and honest with parents as to what is possible instead of just telling them what they want to hear.
I examine an issue thoroughly before I act. I think that providing a consistent, steady direction to the District is much better than rapid changes in direction.
"No board member can make a decision in isolation. A board member has no power individually, only through the majority of the board." So voters need to elect someone who will be able to persuade the majority to their point of view. A school board member who is outspoken and has an agenda is often less effective.
My son is a teacher and I really want to provide him and other teachers with the tools they need to change the lives of their students. Teachers are the ones that create a legacy.
I remember the moon landing. I couldn't believe that it was actually possible to go that far.
I worked in a gas station for a month or so while my friend went on an extended vacation. I learned that I wanted to get a college education.
"The anatomy of Peace". I love the idea of staying present in every situation and not being trapped by self betrayal.
In my mind I'm going to Carolina by James Taylor
I struggled with being shy when I was young. I have great empathy for those who would rather sit and read a book than spend their time at raucous parties.
1) To hire the Superintendent and Business Manager
2) Approve Policies and set a strategic plan for the district
3) Pass a budget to fund district priorities
4) Listen and respond to patrons
5) Be active in advocating for education with legislative bodies.
6) Review building and maintenance priorities so that student can be adequately housed during their education.
I am particularly interested in understanding the needs of voters and children in District 5, but I care about students throughout Alpine School District. My votes are based on what is best for the students, parents and tax payers. I advocate for students throughout the state.
We appreciate TSSA funding from the legislature that has allowed us to hire more psychologists and social workers. A student cannot learn effectively if their emotional or mental health needs are not being met. I support efforts to provide support for the whole child as part of the educational process.
I try to attend a PTA, SCC or faculty members in each of the schools in my area every year. I have valued the relationships I have built with people around the district. I also love to talk to people in grocery stores, at sporting events and while exercising. It is so helpful to hear the issues that people are passionate about.
Good teaching involves various factors, including expertise in the subject matter, effective communication skills, the ability to engage and motivate students, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Here's how these aspects can be measured and supported:
- Subject Knowledge and Pedagogical Skills: Good teachers have a deep understanding of their subject matter and how to effectively teach it. This can be assessed through evaluations of teachers' qualifications, certifications, and their ability to deliver clear, accurate, and engaging lessons.
- Student Engagement and Learning Outcomes: Effective teaching results in high levels of student engagement and positive learning outcomes. This can be measured through various assessments, including standardized tests, formative and summative assessments, student feedback surveys, and observations of classroom interactions.
- Classroom Management: A well-managed classroom is essential for creating a conducive learning environment. Classroom observations, behavior management strategies, and student discipline records can provide insights into teachers' effectiveness in maintaining a positive and orderly classroom atmosphere.
School Districts can support these practices through:
- Professional Development: Offer regular professional development opportunities focused on advanced teaching methodologies, technology integration, and differentiated instruction. Encourage teachers to pursue advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized training programs.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Pair experienced teachers with newer colleagues or provide opportunities for collaborative planning and peer observation. Mentorship programs can facilitate the sharing of best practices and the implementation of innovative teaching approaches.
Resource Allocation: Allocate resources for instructional materials, technology tools, and other resources that support advanced teaching approaches.
I feel that Computer Science skills are as essential to our students today as Reading, Riting and Rithmetic were to students 100 years ago. I would like to give students the opportunity to explore computers at an earlier age. The challenge is in how to train teachers in these skills, but still retain them in education. Once they have these skills they will often take a higher paying Computer Science job.
Ensuring that schools are properly funded is essential for providing quality education and supporting student success. The only tool that school board members have to increase funding is property tax. I think it is important to balance the needs of students with keeping taxes as low as possible. There are also several other approaches to school funding such as:
- Transparent Budgeting Processes: Increase transparency in the budgeting process to ensure that funding decisions are based on needs assessment, community input, and data-driven analysis. Engage stakeholders, including educators, parents, students, and community members, in the budgeting process to promote accountability and equity.
- Fair Distribution of Resources: Ensure that resources, including funding, facilities, technology, and instructional materials, are distributed fairly among schools.
- Sustainable Funding Sources: Explore diverse revenue streams to sustainably fund education, including state and local taxes, federal grants, philanthropic donations, and public-private partnerships. Advocate for policies that prioritize education funding and protect it from budget cuts or fluctuations.
- Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: Promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness in school operations and resource utilization to maximize the impact of available funding. This may involve streamlining administrative processes, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and leveraging economies of scale through collaborative initiatives.
- Advocacy and Political Engagement: Advocate for increased public investment in education at the local, state, and federal levels. Engage policymakers, elected officials, and community leaders to prioritize education funding and address systemic issues contributing to funding disparities.
School board policies for safety in schools should be guided by principles that prioritize the well-being and security of students, staff, and visitors while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
- Comprehensive Approach: Safety policies should address various aspects of school safety, including physical security measures, emergency preparedness, mental health support, bullying prevention, and crisis intervention.
-Prevention and Intervention: Prioritize prevention and early intervention strategies to identify and address potential safety concerns before they escalate. This may involve implementing proactive measures such as threat assessments, behavior intervention programs, and mental health services.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Foster collaboration among schools, families, communities, law enforcement agencies, mental health professionals, and other stakeholders to promote a holistic approach to school safety. Encourage open communication, information sharing, and coordinated responses to safety threats and emergencies.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Base safety policies on evidence-based practices, research, and best available data on effective strategies for promoting school safety and preventing violence.
Schools can not take the burden of addressing student mental health, but they can work with communities and parents to address needs.
School Counselors and Psychologists play an important role as they work with parents to help children develop healthy emotional resilience.
I am in favor of providing school support because a student can not learn if they are not in an emotionally healthy state.
My wife has forbidden me from making any more breakfast puns.
She says if I do, l'm toast. My daughter keeps egging me on, though. She's such a ham.
I am really concerned about the Sensitive Materials laws that have been passed in the last few years. They imply that librarians are trying to provide inappropriate materials to students and this is just not the case. I would like to find a less formal way for parents to regulate the materials that their children have access to.
The ideal learning environment in public education should be one that fosters student engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking while catering to diverse learning styles and needs. Here are some key components:
- Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Students need to feel physically and emotionally safe in their learning environment. This includes respectful interactions among peers and teachers, clear behavioral expectations, and adequate support for students dealing with personal challenges.
- Positive Relationships: Strong relationships between students and teachers are essential for effective learning. Teachers who genuinely care about their students' well-being can better understand their needs and provide appropriate support and guidance.
- Active Engagement: Learning should be active and interactive, encouraging students to participate actively in discussions, projects, and hands-on activities. This fosters deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
- Technology Integration: Utilizing technology appropriately can enhance learning experiences by providing access to resources, facilitating collaboration, and offering interactive learning tools. However, it's important to ensure equitable access to technology and proper guidance on its use.
By incorporating these elements into public education settings, educators can create an environment that empowers students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Alpine School District kept students in-person and provided proven health protection for students and faculty. Because of this, our students did not experience the learning loss that occurred in other parts of the country where in-person education was shut down for years. Looking back, I would have done more to encourage outdoor experiences for students when they weren't allowed to come to school.
I try to respond to email and facebook messages promptly. I also make my cell phone number available and I love to get phone calls. I have met with parents personally when they have reached out to me. I think that there are some times when parents are frustrated with the way their children have experienced education. During those times, a school board member can step in to help solve problems.
Perhaps the most important role of a school board member is to select and retain a Superintendent. We have the best Superintendent in the State of Utah and we recruited him by showing that the Board cares about employees. We try to provide a fair salary schedule and good working conditions. The superintendent is working to create an environment that will invite the best teachers to apply. I was talking the other day to a bunch of student teachers who were applying for jobs around the state. I asked them what their top choice was in terms of School Districts. They all wanted to come to Alpine because they know that we take care of our teachers and provide advancement opportunities that are second to none.The ideal learning environment in public education should be one that fosters student engagement, curiosity, and critical thinking while catering to diverse learning styles and needs. Here are some key components:
Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Students need to feel physically and emotionally safe in their learning environment. This includes respectful interactions among peers and teachers, clear behavioral expectations, and adequate support for students dealing with personal challenges.
Positive Relationships: Strong relationships between students and teachers are essential for effective learning. Teachers who genuinely care about their students' well-being can better understand their needs and provide appropriate support and guidance.
Inclusive Practices: Every student should feel valued and included regardless of their background, abilities, or differences. Inclusive practices involve adapting teaching strategies, materials, and assessments to accommodate diverse learners and promote equity.
Active Engagement: Learning should be active and interactive, encouraging students to participate actively in discussions, projects, and hands-on activities. This fosters deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.
Personalized Learning: Recognizing that stude
I take pride in the improvements in transparency that have occurred during my time on the board. I have worked to create the "Popular Annual Financial Report" that provides financial transparency that is easier for the general public to understand.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2020
Mark Clement completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Clement's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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While serving as a board member for Alpine School District and as chairman of the School Community Council at Pleasant Grove High School, I have emphasized parental involvement in local decisions.
Living in Lindon for the last 21 years, I have seen my 9 children (ages 12 to 31) thrive in Alpine District public schools. I support efforts to offer a rigorous math and science curriculum, and know the importance of strong sports and arts programs because my children have benefited from them.
As a Computer Science professor at BYU, I understand the educational requirements and opportunities associated with careers in science, technology, engineering and math. I would like to increase the use of technology to provide a learning experience that is customized to the needs of the individual. My professional experience has given me insights into the skills students need to learn in high school in order to be successful in college and university studies.
Quality education is crucial in helping our country be competitive in a global economy and I am passionate about creating excellent opportunities for our children in Alpine District.
- Mark Clement is a professor of Computer Science at Brigham Young University. He wants to help students prepare for careers that require technical skills.
- Dr. Clement currently serves as Vice President of the school board and is involved in leadership with the Utah School Boards Association. He has the leadership skills to make a difference in our schools.
- School Board Members are most effective when they work collaboratively with the superintendent and district leadership. Mark loves working with teachers to create the best outcome for students.
Utah continually ranks near the bottom of states in education funding. I would like to do everything I can to increase teacher salaries and provide improved educational opportunities for our students. I am committed to work with the legislature to make this happen. I spend much of my time during the legislative session meeting with concerned parties to insure that bills are passed with correct information about how they will impact students. I think that this role of working with legislators is one of the most important for school board members.
I really admire Ronald Reagan. I may not agree with all of his policies, but he was able to bring people together to achieve shared goals. In this time of divisive politics, I think we need more people that can create collaboration instead of division.
I really enjoyed reading "Tribal Leadership, Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization
By: Dave Logan, John King, Halee Fischer-Wright.
Honesty, transparency and the ability to listen.
I am committed to listen and connect with people. I try to encourage teachers and provide them with positive feedback.
To be part of a collaborative team that improves educational opportunities for students.
I would love to see a $60,000 starting salary for teachers and class sizes averaging 25 students.
July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin put on their bulky moon suits and prepare to take the first steps on the moon. I can remember looking at the moon and being amazed that man had taken this big step. It motivated me to study science and engineering to help me to make a difference in the world.
I helped start a computer company that produced workstations using a new fangled thing called a microprocessor.
How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen
I think it is essential that we prioritize things that are really important.
Captain Kirk from Star Trek. I love the way he solved problems using the engineering process.
Elton John - Rocket Man
I climbed Mount Timpanogos last week and was really sore the next day. I can's ride my bike to work quite as quickly as I would like. I would like to stay young, but then I appreciate some of the patience I have gained with age.
The primary job of a school board member is to hire the Superintendent and Business manager. A board member responds to feedback from their constituents and directs the Superintendent to improve education for children in the district.
Voters, teachers, students and parents.
I love to talk to parents and students to get their impression on how schools are working. Then I love to share those perspectives with administrators and teachers to help to create better educational opportunities. I represent all parents and teachers in the district even though I am particularly responsive to voters in my area. I try to protect the interests of minorities and those who have nobody else to stick up for them.
I try to attend a PTA, SCC or faculty members in each of the schools in my area every year. I have valued the relationships I have built with people around the district.
I try to respond to email and facebook messages promptly. I have met with parents personally when they have reached out to me. I think that there are some times when parents are frustrated with the way their children have experienced education. During those times, a school board member can step in to help solve problems.
I am proud of the way Alpine School District recruits and retains minorities. The "Latinos In Action" program prepares students to become successful in many careers, but we hope many of them will decide to become a teacher.
I think that the biggest problem we currently face is large class sizes. Increased education funding could help us to reduce class sizes so that teachers can really connect with their students.
The best teaching occurs when students know that their teacher cares about them and they really connect. One way to enable this quality is to reduce class sizes.
Computational skills are really important for nearly every career. Students also need to be able to work effectively in groups to solve problems.
The ability to solve engineering problems effectively will prepare students for the next generation of careers.
I would like to see more computer technology instruction from 3rd grade on. I think that computer skills will be as important as reading and writing for our students.
I have found that really connecting with legislators and creating a relationship with them allows them to see the very real needs we have for increased funding.
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused us to think differently about safety in schools. I have tried to listen to medical experts along with parents and teachers to help create policies for a safe return to school. I am confident in the administration and teachers and know that they care about the community as well as teachers and students.
We appreciate TSSA funding from the legislature that has allowed us to hire more psychologists and social workers. A student cannot learn effectively if their emotional or mental health needs are not being met. I support efforts to provide support for the whole child as part of the educational process.
We have learned a lot about online learning during the COVID-19 epidemic. I believe that we can use online teaching to reduce class sizes and maybe reduce the need for additional buildings in the future.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Alpine School District, District 5 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 6, 2020
- ↑ Utah County, Utah, "2016 Local School Board Candidates," accessed March 18, 2016
- ↑ Utah County Clerk's Office, "2016 Candidate Financial Disclosures," accessed November 1, 2016
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ada Wilson |
Alpine School District, District 5 2023-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Alpine School District, District 4 2016-2023 |
Succeeded by Sarah Beeson |
