



Get to Know Frances

Frances Scharli is a dedicated public servant with a lifelong commitment to community. Frances has been proud to call Southlake home for the past 27 years.
Raised on a dairy farm, Frances was taught the value of hard work at a young age. Whether working on the family farm or as a bookkeeper to put herself through college, Frances has never been one to shy away from a challenge.
Frances earned her undergraduate degree with a double major from California State College, Stanislaus before going on to receive two master's degrees in education, one from California Lutheran College, and the other from California State College, Los Angeles.
Frances taught school in various grades, specializing in regular and special education. Frances's dedication to education extended to her service as a resource specialist, teacher trainer, and administrator. Frances helped give back by training new generations of leaders to think independently, dream big, and strive for excellence. But her contributions to the community have continued far beyond the school doors.
Frances's extensive involvement in civic affairs is demonstrated through her decade-long service on various Southlake City Boards and Commissions, including appointments to the Parks and Recreation Board, Southlake Parks and Development Corporation, the 2035 Corridor Committee and Joint Utilization Committee. Her leadership roles as Secretary, Vice-Chair, and ultimately Chair of the Parks and Recreation Board underscore her commitment to Southlake.
Frances also brings a wealth of experience from her other volunteer roles, such as graduating from the Southlake Citizens Academy, supporting the Carroll Independent School District as a volunteer, and contributing to boards that supported her children's sports teams.
In her first year in office, Frances hit the ground running. When she initially ran for City Council, she laid out a detailed vision for Southlake that emphasized low density development, responsible spending, maintaining low property taxes, supporting public safety, and ensuring safe schools. She's worked tirelessly to fulfill that campaign vision. Frances has been an unwavering advocate for low density development by consistently voting against projects that are more dense than neighboring developments and inconsistent with the vision or zoning for Southlake.
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Frances also advocated for Southlake tax relief by voting to approve a “no new revenue tax rate” and to keep the maximum homestead exemption of 20% for 2025, ensuring no tax increases from 2024-2025 by the City of Southlake.
In her personal life, Frances attends White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, where she has been an active member for over two decades. Married to Craig Sturtevant for 42 years, Frances and Craig have two children, both Dragon graduates and now successful professionals in the fields of biochemistry and law.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
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Southlake City Council
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May 2024- Present​
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Southlake Parks and Recreation Board
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2013-2024, 2019-2024 (Chair)
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Southlake Parks and Development Corporation
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August 2019 – January 2024 (Secretary)
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2035 Corridor Committee (aka State Highway 114 Corridor Task Force)
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June 2015 – January 2024 (Board Member)
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Southlake Joint Utilization Committee
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September 2006 - April 2011 (Board Member)
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MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
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Southlake Citizens Academy Graduate
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Member of the former Southlake Executive Forum
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Administrator, Pastor Bible Study, White’s Chapel Methodist Church, Southlake
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White’s Chapel Methodist Church Finance Committee and Administrative Board Member
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Former Treasurer, White’s Chapel Methodist Church, Southlake
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CISD Volunteer
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Girl Scout Brownie Leader