Lark Barnett Rutecki is a dedicated disability advocate who served on the Rensselaer City School District Board of Education, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that every student had the opportunity to learn and thrive. During her tenure, she held multiple leadership roles, including both President and Vice President. A proud graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and a product of public schools herself, Lark brings firsthand understanding of the importance of accessible, high-quality education.

The daughter of a carpenter and a teacher, Lark grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and perseverance—values she is eager to bring to the Agriculture Committee. Her interest in the dairy industry is inspired by her husband’s childhood experiences helping on his grandparents’ dairy farm, and she is a strong supporter of the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to serve whole and reduced-fat milk options through the National School Lunch Program.

Professionally, Lark has built a career specializing in complex electronic discovery issues tied to litigation, working on matters involving corporate entities and federal agencies such as the DOJ, FTC, and SEC. Beyond her professional achievements, Rensselaer holds a special place in her heart. She and her husband are raising their four young children there—three of whom have attended the local public schools—and she is committed to ensuring that the voices of Rensselaer residents are well represented at the county level.