Tyrone Area School District Business Manager John Clark will retire at the end of July.

Clark’s responsibilities over the past seven and a half years are many, including investments, insurance procurement, human resources, contract development, employee benefit programs, accounting, and grant management as well as oversight of the cafeteria program and district security.

“Lots of hats,” as Clark put it.

Clark is only the third business manager in the district’s history, having succeeded Cathy Harlow when she was elevated to district superintendent in 2012.

“I am proud to have been a piece of a wonderful puzzle here at Tyrone. It’s been a privilege,” said Clark, “The community and Board support is strong as is the interest in education and the whole individual. For those who will take advantage of it, this is a really great school system.”

Clark came to Tyrone with previous experience in school district finances at both Chestnut Ridge School District and Spring Cove School District.

“Before that, I was a lifeguard, a popcorn maker, a waiter, and the one time State College card shop Balloon Baboon,” said Clark.

Clark was born and raised in Bedford and attended PSU Altoona and PSU Main Campus for his undergraduate degree. He also did graduate work at Tulane University and Wilkes University.

According to Tyrone Superintendent Leslie Estep, Clark’s calm demeanor in stressful situations is one of his many strengths.

“It takes a lot to rattle him and actually, I don’t think that I have ever seen him rattled. I have also always appreciated Mr. Clark’s sense of humor,” said Estep.

Poise and a sense of humor have been especially helpful in the current pandemic situation when uncertainty has been the only certainty.

“The pandemic has been one of the most difficult challenges. The uncertainty of revenue sources is stressful for a school business administrator during a normal year, but these current circumstances provide an even greater challenge,” Estep said.

Clark’s years of experience have also been an important resource for the district.

“I have learned a tremendous amount from him through his experience in the various aspects of school operations like transportation and cafeteria management, in addition to the fiscal side of things,” said Estep, “Mr. Clark is well respected and has become a part of our Tyrone family over his time here.”

Clark has been happy to be a part of the district and seeing the transition that students go through from their first to last day of school.

He is also proud to have helped provide things to enhance the district and the student experience at Tyrone, for example, the outdoor patio area at TAHS, which was built under Clark’s supervision.

After retirement, Clark says he is looking forward to a good cigar, hot dogs, beans, old cars, staying unemployed “just long enough to irritate my wife,” and continuing to check up on TASD via the Eagle Eye News.

Clark is leaving big shoes to fill and will be missed by many.

“He has become a good friend and I will miss him greatly. I wish him the best in his retirement,” said Estep.