Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000 | 9:58 a.m.
The education board elections -- for the local School Board, state Board of Education and the University Board of Regents -- are overshadowed by federal races and many other state and local contests. But the fact is that these boards play a critical role in helping oversee the kind of education the children of this valley receive. The Sun's endorsements in these important races follow:
SCHOOL BOARD
In District A, Mary Beth Scow is running for re-election. Scow says that not only is keeping up with our explosive growth one of the major problems confronting the district, but that staying ahead of the curve in this area is key, too. Scow, the board president, also believes it's important to align classroom curriculum so it's consistent throughout the school district. The Sun endorses Scow, who is a hard worker and a consensus builder.
Meanwhile in District B, incumbent Ruth Johnson wants another term. Johnson has been responsive to her constituents. She set up a parent advisory committee in her district, which met monthly and addressed the concerns held by parents and students. She also created one of the first community education advisory boards, which provides input to the board on education issues important to the areas where they live. The Sun supports Johnson.
Shirley Barber is seeking re-election in District C. A longtime educator, Barber formerly was principal at H.P. Fitzgerald Elementary. Barber believes early childhood is a critical time for development, advocating all-day kindergarten. She also stresses the need for accountability throughout the system, including for the superintendent, administrators and teachers. The Sun endorses Barber, who says increasing student achievement is her top priority.
Lois Tarkanian's bid for a County Commission seat has created a vacancy in District E. Denise Brodsky is the superior candidate in this contest to fill the open seat. For Brodsky, her chief issues are academic achievement, crowded classes, safety in schools and a high dropout rate. Brodsky has a thorough knowledge of the issues confronting the school district and appears to have the insight and instinct necessary for this tough job. The Sun supports Brodsky.
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
In Subdistrict A, Marcia Washington and Tracey Lewis are running to fill a vacancy that was created because term limits prevented Liliam Hickey from running again. Lewis has considerable enthusiasm, but Washington gets the nod from the Sun for her knowledge and common-sense approach she'd bring to the position.
Subdistrict D is another open seat since the incumbent, Doris Femenella, isn't running. John Hawk, a Silverado High School teacher, has taught honors math since 1996. Hawk acknowledges the necessity of the Board of Education's move to increase standards, but says it's been "top down" management since the students aren't prepared for all the materials that make up the high school proficiency exam. Hawk is exceptionally bright and motivated, which is just what the state Board of Education needs.
Frank Mathews didn't file for re-election, creating an open seat in Subdistrict G. Patricia Smith, a math teacher at Molasky Junior High, definitely would be a breath of fresh air. Smith believes that realistic graduation standards should be established. While she says that children must be prepared for their future, she notes that the state should realize that not every student will go on to college. The Sun endorses Smith, whose intelligence and willingness to defy conventional wisdom makes her an outstanding candidate.
BOARD OF REGENTS
In Subdistrict D, Regent Mark Alden is running for a second term. Nevada is just one of a handful of states that have elected boards that oversee its university system. This naturally can sometimes create tension between these elected panels and university administrators. Alden frequently has crossed swords with administrators over policies and even butted heads with state legislators over funding issues. Alden does find himself isolated on occasion for bringing up important matters that others would just as soon not see aired. There are times, though, when Alden could be more effective if he was less strident. But overall Alden has done a reasonable job and should be re-elected.
Dave Phillips is seeking re-election in Subdistrict A. Phillips points to his efforts to provide equal access for minorities, such as helping create the UNLV continuing education downtown center and the A.D. Guy Educational Center. The Sun supports Phillips, who has been a steadying influence on the board.
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