Endorsements in education races

Friday, Oct. 17, 2014 | 2:01 a.m.

Given that Nevada has long been below the national average on any number of measures of education — student achievement, proficiency, per-pupil spending, to name a few — this has to be a top priority for the state and the next Legislature.

Nevada has a number of elected offices that deal directly with education, and today the Sun starts its endorsements with the candidates we believe will best advance the cause of education in the state.

University regents

Attorney Trevor Hayes is running for the University of Nevada Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public colleges and universities, and he’s facing incumbent Robert Blakely in District 2. Blakely, a cab driver and part-time insurance agent, shocked a respected incumbent six years ago to win the seat, but he hasn’t done anything of note in office since his victory.

Hayes, on the other hand, is an energetic and engaged candidate who has been involved in education issues for years. With an undergraduate degree from UNLV, Hayes is passionate about higher education in Nevada, understands what needs to be done and is sure to provide a strong voice on the board. In fact, the regents could use more candidates like Hayes. The Sun endorses Trevor Hayes.

In District 3, incumbent Kevin Page is running for re-election. Page is the current chairman of the regents, and he earned two degrees from UNLV. With a career in finance, Page has the experience and the skills to benefit Nevada’s colleges and universities and is the best candidate in the race. The Sun endorses Kevin Page.

Sam Lieberman is running for regent in District 5, and the UNLV graduate has long been involved in the community and an advocate for higher education in Nevada. He has worked with nonprofits and community groups for years. As a former head of the state Democratic Party, he knows the politic scene, and that will be helpful to get things done in Carson City. The Sun endorses Sam Lieberman, given his background and experience in education.

Clark County School District

Despite the struggle to raise test scores, the Clark County School District has made several good steps during the past few years to improve. And right now, the school board is working reasonably well with the new superintendent, Pat Skorkowsky.

Three incumbents are on the ballot, and we think all have done well and should be supported. They bring different talents but have proved themselves to be strong advocates for education. It’s not time to dump the incumbents for the sake of change. Instead, the district should keep moving ahead.

Steven “Stavan” Corbett was appointed to the seat in District D after having served on the state Board of Education. He’s passionate about schools and a great representative for his district. He should be elected to a full term. The Sun endorses Steven “Stavan” Corbett.

Carolyn Edwards has served well on the board. She is a great supporter of public education and has been a tireless worker in District F. The Sun endorses Carolyn Edwards.

Erin Cranor has been a great addition to the board. The representative from District G, Cranor does her homework and is well versed on the issues. Now the president of the board, she has proved herself as a leader as well. The Sun endorses Erin Cranor.