Boylan, Ochoa will meet in November

By Emily Richmond

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2002 | 8:58 a.m.

Incumbent Patrick Boylan and challenger Albert Ochoa will face off in November for the District 6 seat on the state Board of Education, the nonpartisan panel that sets standards and regulations for public schools throughout the state.

Boylan, a college instructor, finished first on the ballot with 44.4 percent of the vote. Ochoa was second with 36.3 percent, followed by Philip Mumm with 19.3 percent.

Boylan, 50, is a college instructor who said improving accountability statewide is one of his priorities for education in Nevada.

Ochoa, 24, is a claims adjuster making his first run at public office. Attracting and retaining quality teachers must be a priority, along with improving the state's vocational programs, Ochoa said.

In November, incumbent Gary P. Waters will face challenge Roger "Oz" Baum for the District 2 seat. Waters, 52, a 10-year employee of Nevada's Division of Human Resources, is seeking his third term on the board. His priorities include developing a leadership academy for education policymakers and expanding student support services.

Baum, 54, is a former stockbroker. He has written several children's books based on the popular "Land of Oz" series created by his great-grandfather, the late L. Frank Baum. Baum said he would encourage more charter schools and trade schools.

For the District 5 seat, incumbent Priscilla Rocha will face retired teacher Dorothy Nolan in November. Rocha, 54, believes the board should focus on reducing the state's high school dropout rate and improving the nutritional quality in campus cafeterias. Nolan, 70, said she wants to see tougher standards for Nevada's students.