Nevada State Board of Education District 2: Shaping the Future of Education
The Nevada State Board of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the state's education system. Acting as the "North Star," the board develops the vision and policy goals for student achievement. To ensure equal and equitable access to a high-quality education in a safe, respectful, and culturally responsive environment for all students, the Board sets policy standards.
Composition and Responsibilities
The State Board of Education consists of eleven members: four elected from Nevada's four congressional districts and seven appointed members. The board is required by Nevada law to develop a 5-year strategic plan, officially referred to as a "Statewide Plan for the Improvement of Pupils" (STIP), to improve the achievement of students enrolled in public schools across Nevada. This plan, or a revised version, must be submitted on or before March 31 of each year.
The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) prepares the STIP for the State Board's consideration, incorporating feedback and input from school districts, education partners, and stakeholders across the state. The STIP includes evidence-based strategies to improve academic achievement and addresses topics such as literacy, English language skills, school discipline, attendance, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional learning, access to technology, graduation and progression, allocation of resources, and more. The STIP also has clear goals, benchmarks, timelines, measurable criteria, and provisions for successful implementation and improvement. The STIP serves as a work plan and vision for improving education in Nevada over the next five years.
The board's duties include the development of goals and benchmarks for the state's education system and annual reviews of the state's progress in meeting those goals.
2024 Elections and Key Issues
Nevada held an election for all four elected seats on the Nevada State Board of Education on November 5, 2024. The primary was June 11, 2024. One such race was for District 2. In 2024, incumbent Angela Orr won election in the general election for Nevada State Board of Education District 2.
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Candidates' Perspectives
Several candidates vied for the position, each with their own vision for improving Nevada's education system. Here's a look at some of the candidates and their perspectives on key issues:
Angela Orr: With over two decades of dedication to public schools, Orr has been a history and government teacher, a teacher trainer, a curriculum developer, and a principal. She has worked at every level of education K-16, and also taught future educators for eight years at the University of Nevada, Reno. Orr is passionate about civic education and ensuring early literacy instruction works for all students. She advocates for education reforms and the equitable distribution of resources on the State Board of Education, working to ensure that every student in Nevada has access to a top-tier education.
Orr believes that Nevada already possesses the necessary knowledge and strategies to improve education and its national rankings. The real challenge lies in asserting political will and effectively implementing policies and practices that will make a difference. She emphasizes the need to re-professionalize teaching, ensure teachers are treated as educated and capable professionals who earn a good wage, and address the teacher shortage by building strong and diverse pathways to becoming an endorsed teacher.
On topics such as sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying, Orr believes schools are tasked with much more than teaching core content. She prioritizes explicit teaching and modeling of the habits of mind that lead to success in later life, such as being proactive, collaborating with synergy, understanding one’s emotions, and engaging in civil civic discourse around complex issues.
Paul Davis: Davis holds a Ph.D. in political science and has a background in political science and gerontology. Davis believes that Nevada needs to elevate its literacy rate, which currently ranks 43rd out of 50 states. He advocates for innovative ways to engage and support students in achieving their academic and career goals.
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Davis emphasizes the importance of technological literacy in preparing students for future technologies. He believes that state-of-the-art training for teachers on the latest literacy instructional techniques and best practices in teaching is essential. By emphasizing science, mathematics, and technologies in public schools, Davis believes students will be prepared for the workforce of tomorrow.
Davis believes that students should have ample information on topics such as sex education, cyber-safety, wellness, and bullying to make informed decisions about their lives. He supports schools informing students about the risks of online activities and cyberbullying, as well as teaching mental and physical health.
Dorzell King Jr.: King is a concerned parent with 10 years of combined experience as an early childhood educator and a permanent sub educator. He is running to get involved with creating solutions for students and educators.
King believes that improving classroom teacher-to-student ratios and ensuring classroom safety are crucial. He also advocates for a curriculum that focuses not only on college readiness but also on basic job and independent living skills.
King believes that sex education should be limited to basic biology and that parents should teach values about sexuality, gender, and community standards. He supports schools covering cyber-safety and health/wellness topics such as nutrition and exercise. Regarding bullying, King believes schools can encourage kids to speak up and get help but also need to focus on helping kids have a strong and confident self-image.
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Other Key Figures in Nevada Education
Besides the elected members of the State Board of Education, several other individuals play important roles in shaping Nevada's education system:
- Steve Canavero: The acting Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Katie Dockweiler: A long-time advocate for student success and well-being. As a nationally certified school psychologist, she has spent many years working in high-needs schools in the Clark County School District supporting students, educators, and families.
- Tim Hughes: A proud third-generation Nevadan and Clark County School District graduate. He has dedicated his career to education, serving as a middle school science teacher, instructional coach, principal, and non-profit leader.
- Tamara Hudson: A National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) currently working as a Special Education elementary teacher in the Clark County School District.
- Tricia Braxton: Promotes improving student success, attracting and maintaining qualified educators, and improving school safety. She cultivates strategic partnerships for community-based programs to enrich classroom instruction with hands-on learning.
- Tate Else: Currently serves as the Superintendent of the Eureka County School District.
- Danielle Ford: Elected to the Nevada State Board of Education, where she advocates for equitable policies and greater accountability.
- Susan Neal: Retired from the Elko County School District after 28 years as an elementary teacher and Staff Development Specialist. She is currently serving as an ECSD School Board Trustee.
- Annette Dawson Owens: A lifelong advocate who centers equity and access to an excellent education for all Nevada students.
Strategic Improvement Plan (STIP)
Nevada law mandates that the Board develop a 5-year strategic plan to improve the achievement of students enrolled in public schools across Nevada, officially referred to as a “Statewide Plan for the Improvement of Pupils”. We often abbreviate this to “STIP”. The Board must submit this plan, or a revised plan, on or before March 31 of each year.
The STIP is prepared for the State Board’s consideration by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) and reflects feedback and input gathered from school districts, education partners, and stakeholders across the State. The STIP must include evidence-based strategies to improve academic achievement, and address topics such as literacy, English language skills, school discipline, attendance, curriculum, assessments, instructional practices, professional learning, access to technology, graduation and progression, allocation of resources, and more. The STIP must also have clear goals, benchmarks, timelines, measurable criteria, and provisions for successful implementation and improvement. The STIP serves as a work plan and vision for improving education in Nevada over the next five years.
Silver State Governance Board Training
The Board underwent Silver State Governance training in January of 2021.
Board of Regents
- Board Members take office on the Tuesday after the first Monday of January next following their election.(Nevada Const. Art.
- Board of Regents District 1Carlos D. Fernandez4-year term in 2024 that expires in 2028, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 2Jennifer J. McGrath (appointed in March 2025)Appointed to the last 2 years of a 6-year term that expires in 2026; on ballot in 2026 and 2028 for a 2-year term, on ballot in 2030 and after for a 4-year term, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 3Byron Brooks6-year term expires in 2026; on ballot in 2026 and 2028 for a 2-year term, on ballot in 2030 and after for a 4-year term, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 4Aaron Bautista4-year term expires in 2028, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023
- Board of Regents District 5Patrick Boylan6-year term expires in 2026; on ballot in 2026 and 2028 for a 2-year term, on ballot in 2030 and after for a 4-year term, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 6Heather Brown6-year term expires in 2028; on ballot in 2028 and after for a 4-year term per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 7Susan Brager6-year term expires in 2028; on ballot in 2028 and after for a 4-year term per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact Information
- Board of Regents District 8Pete Goicoechea (appointed in December 2024)Appointed to 2 years of a 6-year unexpired term; will be on 2026 ballot for a 2-year unexpired term that expires in 2028 (per NRS 396.060); on ballot in 2028 for a 2-year term, on ballot in 2030 and after for a 4-year term, per NRS 396.040 and AB 118 of 2023Contact InformationNOTE: This office covers areas in multiple Counties, i.e., Clark, Elko, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine.
- Board of Regents District 12Amy J.
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