Regent, state Board of Education endorsements

Ahost of education-related races are on the November ballot. Here are our recommendations for the Board of Regents and State Board of Education.

For the Board of Regents, District 2, Lois Tarkanian faces local attorney Bret Whipple. If elected, Ms. Tarkanian, who formerly served on the Las Vegas City Council and the Clark County School Board, wants to develop the UNLV School of Medicine. Mr. Whipple, a former regent who lost a re-election bid in 2008, is perhaps most well-known for representing Cliven Bundy. Mr. Whipple would be a capable regent, but Ms. Tarkanian’s breadth of civic experience makes her our choice. We urge a vote for Lois Tarkanian.

The race for Board of Regents, District 3, is between business owner Byron Brooks and Swadeep

Nigam, who has a background in public-sector finance. Mr. Brooks said he wants to improve higher education before his young son reaches college age. Mr. Nigam believes his experience working with large budgets at the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Las Vegas Valley Water District enables him to “positively contribute with the budget situation.” His priorities include improving the graduation rates at UNLV and UNR. In a race with two good candidates, Swadeep Nigam gets the nod.

Running for Board of Regents, District 5, are former state Board of Education member Patrick Boylan and Dr. Nick “Doc” Spirtos, medical director at Women’s Cancer Center of Nevada. Mr. Boylan is concerned about attempts to increase student costs. Dr. Spirtos’ passion is the

UNLV School of Medicine.

Dr. Spirtos would be an asset to the board, but Mr. Boylan is more focused on issues concerning the entire system. We urge a vote for Patrick Boylan.

The candidates running for state Board of Education, District 1, are Tim Hughes, who works for an education nonprofit, and Angelo Casino, a middle school teacher.

Mr. Hughes opposes for-profit charters and using student achievement in teacher evaluations. The focus of Mr. Casino’s campaign is to bring a teacher’s perspective to the board. It’s doubtful either would advocate to hold the education establishment accountable or otherwise rock the boat, which continues to run aground. The Review-journal offers no endorsement.

Incumbent Mark Newburn seeks re-election to the state Board of Education, District 4. Former CCSD Trustee Rene Cantu also seeks the seat. Mr. Newburn serves as vice president of the board. He focused his efforts on improving computer science education and supports charter schools. Mr. Cantu has three decades of experience working in both K-12 and higher education. He supports evaluating teachers based on student outcomes.

Voters in District 4 are fortunate to have two quality options. Mark Newburn has served the community well, however, and deserves re-election.

The views expressed above are those of the Las Vegas Review-journal.

All other opinions expressed on this page are those of the individual artist or author indicated.