Transitions

Don Clark, retired superintendent at Eastern Sierra Unified School District and former chairman of ACSA’s Small School Districts Committee, passed away this month after battling cancer.

Clark spent more than 30 years in public education, although he said in a recent interview that he never wanted to be a school administrator. He wanted to be a teacher and coach, but ultimately moved into administration, which included the roles of Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Northern Humboldt Union High School District. He also spent time as a principal and superintendent in Alaska before returning to California. He was ESUSD superintendent for 12 years. Clark became an active ACSA member a decade ago, serving as President of the Inyo/Mono Charter for several years. He was instrumental in growing the charter, re-energizing it, and increasing involvement. He chaired the Small School District Committee for six years. Clark was honored as the State Superintendent/Principal of the Year in 2016.