Mary Clardy

Mary Clardy is an American educator and politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 53A. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), she has been in office since 2023. Clardy's district encompasses parts of the southeastern Twin Cities metropolitan area, including the cities of Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake, Lilydale, and sections of Mendota Heights and West St. Paul in Dakota County. Her background in education and advocacy informs her legislative priorities, particularly in the areas of education and community health.

Early life and career

Mary Clardy was born on November 15, 1958, in Burnsville, Minnesota. She pursued higher education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Following her undergraduate studies, Clardy obtained her teaching certificate from the University of St. Thomas and later completed a Master of Education degree from Grand Canyon University.

Clardy's professional career has been primarily centered around education. She has worked as a teacher in Saint Paul, where her experiences in the classroom shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by both educators and students. In addition to her teaching role, Clardy has been involved in various advocacy efforts, particularly focusing on civil rights and educational equity. She served on the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission, where she contributed to discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and justice within the community.

Her commitment to educational advocacy led her to work with the organization Educators for Excellence, where she co-authored a policy paper that proposed legislative solutions to recruit and retain teachers of color in Minnesota. This work reflects her dedication to addressing the disparities in the education system and ensuring that all students have access to quality educators who reflect their backgrounds.

Clardy's public service includes appointments to significant educational boards. She was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to the Minnesota Board of Teaching, serving from 2014 to 2017. Subsequently, she was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to the Minnesota Board of School Administrators in 2019. These roles allowed her to influence educational policy at a higher level and advocate for the needs of students and educators.

In addition to her work on educational boards, Clardy has served on the Inver Grove Heights School Board and has been involved with the Board of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts. Her extensive experience in education and advocacy has positioned her as a knowledgeable figure in discussions surrounding educational reform and community development.

Legislative service

Mary Clardy was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, following a campaign for an open seat that arose from the legislative redistricting process. Since taking office, she has actively participated in various legislative committees, serving as the vice chair of the Education Finance Committee. Her involvement in this committee underscores her commitment to addressing educational funding and resources.

In addition to her role on the Education Finance Committee, Clardy is a member of several other committees, including the Sustainable Infrastructure Policy Committee, the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee, and the Human Services Finances Committee. Through her work on these committees, she engages with a wide range of issues that affect her constituents and the broader Minnesota community.

Clardy is also a member of the House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus. These affiliations reflect her focus on advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities within the state. Her legislative priorities include initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes, enhancing community health, and promoting social justice.

Policy focus and district

Clardy's policy focus is heavily influenced by her background in education and her commitment to equity. One of her primary initiatives is to recruit and retain more teachers of color in Minnesota schools. This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the state's educational workforce reflects the diversity of its student population, which is essential for fostering an inclusive learning environment.

In her capacity as a legislator, Clardy has authored a "safe schools" bill designed to increase funding for school security, drug prevention programs, and cybersecurity measures. This legislation aims to create a safer educational environment for students and staff, addressing concerns that have become increasingly prominent in discussions about school safety.

Additionally, Clardy has championed a proposal to raise public awareness about the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, particularly in underserved communities. This initiative highlights her commitment to health equity and her recognition of the unique challenges faced by these populations.

Clardy resides in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, where she continues to engage with her community. She identifies as Black and has personal experiences that inform her advocacy work. While teaching in Saint Paul, she suffered a traumatic brain injury due to an incident with a student, which required her to relearn fundamental skills such as walking, talking, reading, and writing. This experience has likely deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by students and educators alike.

In her personal life, Clardy's daughter, Virginia, is a health care recruiter and a former NBA dancer. Virginia gained public attention by participating in the eighth season of the reality show "Love Is Blind," which also featured Clardy in a supporting role. This connection to popular culture highlights the diverse aspects of Clardy's life beyond her political career.

Overall, Mary Clardy's background in education, advocacy, and community service informs her legislative work, as she strives to address the needs of her constituents in District 53A and contribute to the betterment of Minnesota's educational and health systems.