Clarke Nelson

Clarke B. Nelson is a member of the Granite School District in Utah, representing Precinct II. He assumed office on January 4, 2021. His current term ends on December 31, 2028.

Nelson ran for re-election to the Granite School District to represent Precinct II in Utah. He won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Clarke B. Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in 1997 and a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. His career experience includes working as a business executive, law partner, and certified public accountant. He has been affiliated with American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Granite School District Precinct II

Incumbent Clarke B. Nelson defeated Kevin Korous in the general election for Granite School District Precinct II on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Clarke B. Nelson (Nonpartisan)	56.3	10,759
	Kevin Korous (Nonpartisan)	43.7	8,363

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,122
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

The primary election was canceled. Incumbent Clarke B. Nelson and Kevin Korous advanced from the primary for Granite School District Precinct II.

Endorsements

To view Nelson's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Nelson in this election.

2020

General election

General election for Granite School District Precinct II

Clarke B. Nelson defeated Starleen Orullian in the general election for Granite School District Precinct II on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Clarke B. Nelson (Nonpartisan)	51.3	11,054
	Submit photo	Starleen Orullian (Nonpartisan)	48.7	10,485

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,539
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Granite School District Precinct II

Clarke B. Nelson and Starleen Orullian defeated Jerry Haslam in the primary for Granite School District Precinct II on June 30, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Clarke B. Nelson (Nonpartisan)	35.3	3,595
✔	Submit photo	Starleen Orullian (Nonpartisan)	34.5	3,518
	Submit photo	Jerry Haslam (Nonpartisan)	30.3	3,085

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,198
= 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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Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Clarke B. Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nelson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I began my School Board service in 2021 and have been raising my five children in Granite schools since 2007.

I have volunteered in many community efforts, including as chair of multiple school community councils, Granite District Community Council representative, PTA member, neighborhood watch chair, President of the Cottonwood Bantam Basketball program, Bantam Basketball coach, Impact Soccer coach, Jr. Jazz coach, chair of the Granite School Board Audit Committee, member of the budget/finance committee, and the Utah School Boards joint legislative committee.

I have observed firsthand the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. Each of these stakeholders deserves the voice of an active parent and community member on the School Board, especially when decisions are made that will impact both current and future generations.

I am a product of Granite School District (GSD), Skyline High ‘91. Professionally, I founded a national business and economic consulting firm and was previously a partner in a global firm. I earned an MBA from University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, and am a licensed CPA. I bring expertise in fiscal policy and budget analysis to a board that oversees a $1 billion annual budget.

I have no interest in partisan politics and disdain bureaucracy. I am a PARENT’S VOICE, bringing an independent and committed perspective FROM OUR COMMUNITY.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Parent's Perspective + Deep Community Involvement:
• Father of five children, who over the last 17 years, all currently attend or graduated from our neighborhood schools. • I am deeply active in the community, attend school events, personally know our teachers and administrators, and am constantly in our neighborhood schools. • I represent ALL stakeholders: parents, students, community members, teachers, and administrators.
• My objective is to create the best academic environment for the next generation.
Experience & Proven Track Record: • I am first and foremost influenced by students and their family's needs. • I am not influenced by "how things are done" or "political pull." • I am not interested in partisan politics or “stepping stones” to future positions. • I am known for asking the right questions, and then getting things done--read about significant achievements during my first term (https://clarkenelson-schoolboard.com). • I am endorsed by teachers, administrators, counselors, community members, and our mayors—read their endorsements on my website. • I am product myself of Granite School District (Skyline High, ’91).
Fiscal Expertise & Leadership: • Local small business owner • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) • Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) • Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) • Granite School Board Audit Committee Chair • Granite School Board Budget Committee ($1 billion annual budget) • Former partner, global forensic accounting and economic consulting firm

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public education, and engaging with community stakeholders to provide each student the best opportunity to succeed. For example:

1) Early literacy—as a district, we must prioritize early literacy through increased investment at the K-3 level. I support all-day kindergarten as one means, however, additional prioritization in grades K-3 will save investment in remediation at later ages. “Learn to read, then read to learn.”

2) Cell phones in our schools—I was instrumental in passing the new Granite cell phone policy that prohibits students’ use of cell phones in our classrooms. I am encouraged by early feedback on the policy from our teachers and will work hard to maintain and enforce this policy going forward.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I seek to emulate leaders who unite communities and causes. Two examples come to mind:

First, Ruby Bridges was the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in New Orleans. I attended my first “Ruby Bridges Walk to School” last fall at Crestview Elementary. I then heard Ms. Bridges speak in person at the 2024 National School Board Association conference. She emphasized the tremendous need for parent engagement in our schools and communities. I firmly agree that many of the challenges in our schools could be resolved if parents regularly spent time IN our schools.
Second, I’m reminded of when President Kennedy visited NASA in 1962. He stopped to speak to a janitor carrying a broom and said, “I’m Jack Kennedy, what are you doing?” The janitor replied, “I’m helping put a man on the moon, Mr. President."

My hope is that the Granite School District can create a cultures where if any employee is asked what they do, regardless of their specific role/position, their first response is, “I’m helping to graduate every student with academic excellence.”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Relationship builder—willing to invest the time and energy up front

Emotionally mature—ability to withstand criticism to make decisions in the best interests of a school/community
Team player—advocate vigorously and then be willing to support the decision of the majority
Approachable—listen carefully, and gain perspective
Critical thinker—work to find solutions now, rather than shift a problem to the future
Prepared—come prepared to allow for effective discussion and resolution
Financial acumen—policy makers need to understand budgets and financial implications

Effective communicator—provide appropriate basis and reasoning for positions/decisions

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have been successful in my first 3.5 years as a School Board Member because 1) I have lived in our community for 17 years and I am in our schools; 2) I bring my own perspective as a father of five children in our public schools; 3) I ask the right questions; 4) I bring the right people and skills together to implement actionable solutions and improvements. For example, during my first term, some of the School Board's accomplishments include:

- Creation of an audit committee
- Creation of a budget & finance committee
- Hired new internal auditor
- Passed district-wide cell phone policy
- Changed Title I funding to target younger grades/early literacy
- Increased pay for education support staff (classroom aides, paraprofessionals)
- Improved school fees and support organization policies
- Conducted three different boundary studies, consolidated multiple schools
- Allocated additional preparation days for teachers at beginning of and throughout school year
- Numerous physical facility improvements at Cottonwood High School and Bonneville Jr. High
- Hired new superintendent

- Created the new "Portrait of a Graduate of Granite"

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

1) Receive feedback from patrons and school community members to then advocate for and improve educational outcomes--constantly be IN our schools

2) Establish policies that promote outstanding academic programming
3) Oversee operating and capital budgets and ensure sound fiscal management of public resources
4) Hire and evaluate the superintendent
5) Hire and evaluate the business administrator (chief financial officer)

6) Continuously appraise management of the school system, which is comprised of 8 high schools, 15 jr. high schools, 56 elementary schools, and 7 specialty schools.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'm not interested in my own legacy, rather the legacy of the students who come through our community schools. I want to make sure they have every opportunity to be successful, and graduate with academic excellence.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I have very vivid memories of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster--I was in my jr. high school science class watching the launch. My entire class was silent as we watched in disbelief what had transpired. I recall my teacher asking us about what we felt and what it meant for our country, for the space program, and for the world of science and space exploration. A great teacher, who helped his students pause, reflect, and learn critical thinking skills in a very difficult moment.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

After mowing lawns in my early teens, I worked at Dan’s Foods in Salt Lake. I started as a Courtesy Clerk/Grocery Bagger. I was first "promoted" to Dairy Stocker, and then to Produce Stocker (my favorite), where I learned to pick out the perfect watermelon for customers who always came back to me throughout the summer. I continued working at Dan's throughout my junior and senior years of high school, leaving to attend college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Leadership: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey

“The Seven Habits” first became my favorite in college, but that was reinforced many years later when Spring Lane Elementary School introduced it as its year-long student/school improvement theme. I value the universal leadership and self improvement application it has for everyone, from a fourth grader to a school board member and business owner.

Pleasure/Other: Between a Rock and a Hard Place, Aron Ralston

Who are your constituents?

Students

Parents
Families
Teachers
Counselors
Administrators
Taxpayers

I first represent and advocate for patrons in Precinct 2, but as one of seven board members, I then represent the entire school district as it pertains to policy making and district-wide decisions.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

First and foremost, I’ll support those need by continuing to be IN our schools. Each school has its own unique circumstances, demographics, and culture.

To support needs that are diverse, School Board members have to first be aware of and experience those needs firsthand. It’s one thing to say you’ll listen—it is an entirely different (and most critical) factor to have been IN our schools in person, constantly meeting with teachers, principals, parents, and students.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Relationship building only happens with face-to-face interaction (see above).

The broader community includes city councils and mayors, state representatives and senators, other municipal councils, and ultimately the taxpayers at large. I routinely invite myself to city and legislative meetings to meet and speak with representatives. Further, I will continue to invite city and legislative representatives as well as community members (who don’t necessarily have a child in our schools) to our neighborhood school events, board meetings, and board study sessions.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

The Granite School District already operates the Granite Technical Institute (GTI), which includes dozens of diverse programs/classes such as culinary arts, engineering/mechanical robotics, medical and dental assistant, and much more. However, in an evolving world, especially technologically, our students need even more opportunities that will allow them to explore and experience a variety of disciplines. Artificial intelligence, graphic design, finance, programming--we need a systematic approach to evaluating our program offerings at both the GTI and each of our 8 local high schools.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Schools in Utah are principally funded by the state legislature. The most important thing I can do as a board member is to ensure that the money our district does receive is spent effectively and efficiently. We have to be better at managing budgets, eliminating bureaucracy, and removing waste at every turn in the district. As a CPA and fiscal expert, I bring an otherwise untapped perspective to the Granite School Board.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

The safety and security of our students and school staff is our first priority. I believe in a "layered approach" to keeping our students safe. This involves everything from locked doors, security checkpoints and visitor check-ins, to expertise and involvement of licensed security professionals and school resource officers. I don't believe one magic solution or policy will keep our students safe. However, implementation of multiple layers in our approach gives us the best chance of keeping our schools safe.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

*

What existing district policies would you like to change, or what new policies would you like to implement?

1) Parents are very concerned about cell phones in our schools, and the disruptions they create. Our Granite School Board recently passed a new comprehensive cell phone policy that restricts cell phones district-wide for the entire day in grades K-8, and during all classes in grades 9-12. I am anxious to evaluate the impact of this new policy throughout this school year, and, if necessary, make adjustments to ensure we have the most effective and appropriate approach in our policy.

2) Early literacy improvement must be a priority in our schools. Through better/updated policy, we must prioritize the funding we have towards literacy advancement in grades K-3.

3) Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs need greater oversight and support from the district level, including board studies. Our board has taken recent efforts to improve and expand the board's role in evaluating school-level DLI programs, but more action is needed to ensure these programs have the necessary and appropriate supports to be set up for success.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rob Dahle, Mayor, Holladay City

Cherie Wood, Mayor, City of South Salt Lake
Jeff Silvestrini, Mayor, Millcreek City
Amanda Calton, Cottonwood High Head Counselor
Lauren Merkley, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year (AP English)
Robyn Ivins, PTA President
Jen Johnson, Principal, Hunter High (former Principal, Bonneville Jr.)
Terri Roylance, Retired Principal, Cottonwood High, Churchill Jr.
Amber V Tuckness, Cecil R. Sullivan, Cottonwood High Performing Arts Educators
Natalie Bradley, Community Council Chair/PTA Board Member
Sharla Bynum, City Council, South Salt Lake/Elementary Principal
Silvia Catten, Millcreek City Council
Emily Gray, Holladay City Council
Paul Fotheringham, Holladay City Council
Granite Education Assoc

Utah Association of CPAs

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

The ideal learning environment is one where students feel both safe and that they are a valued part of their class and school. Studies have shown that students perform best when they know their teacher cares about them as a person, not just what they score on a test. This applies at every age level, elementary, junior high, and high school.

Further, such an ideal learning environment requires that teachers and administrators likewise feel both valued and trusted by parents and community members. Our teachers deserve our trust and to know that we value their contribution to our community.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

*

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Once again, relationship building starts face-to-face. As I’ve done for the last 17 years (3.5 of those on the School Board), I will continue to be IN our schools, attending school events (performing arts, athletics, recognitions, community councils, PTAs). Parents know I’ll be at their most important school events, but they also have my cell number for a phone call or text, on any issue, whenever they need to speak.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Just like our students need balance in their academic endeavors, So do our teachers, staff, and administrators. I have had countless conversations with teachers and administrators who tell me they are extremely grateful for the increases in pay they have received in recent times. However, before even considering further pay increases, those teachers want help in their classrooms. They tell me they need aides and/or classroom assistants that allow teachers to better focus on the needs of individual students, while still maintaining order and making progress for the broader class. Teachers want to teach—so let’s help them to be the best teachers they can be.

While we made significant progress during my first term by raising the pay of such aides from approximately $13/hour to $17/hour, more prioritization is needed to put our teachers in the best position possible to TEACH our children. We don’t necessarily need more funding to accomplish this, but we need to prioritize the funding we have to use it in the most effective way possible. Our teachers need time to prepare, and preparation results in effective teaching.

The same holds true for other staff, particularly counselors. Similar to teachers, our counselors have special skills our students need. But the ratio of students to counselors is remarkably high. Again, it isn’t so much about more money for teachers, administrators, and staff as it is providing the resources for these individuals to actually do what they do best. Doing so brings fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from allowing educators to do what they’ve been trained to do.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and accountability for taxpayer and public funds is paramount. Our school district must first be accountable for every dollar it spends. Second, it must also be strategic, and maximize the impact and efficacy of every such dollar.

As a Certified Public Accountant, and Certified in Financial Forensics by the American Institute of CPAs, I am bound by certain professional obligations that include professional skepticism and objectivity. I bring these professional skills to the School Board. For example, in my first year as a school board member in 2021, I launched and became chair of the Granite School Board Audit Committee, which ultimately oversees the district’s internal audit function and overall financial reporting. I also serve on the Budget and Finance Committee, which is integral to overseeing the District’s $1 billion annual budget.

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

Clarke B. Nelson did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 9, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 9, 2024

[1]

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Clarke Nelson

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Granite School District Precinct II

Nonpartisan primary election

Endorsements

2020

General election

General election for Granite School District Precinct II

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Granite School District Precinct II

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

2020

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

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