Cook, Clontz vie for state school board

Calling himself "the reform candidate," Dave Cook said he believed his commitment to charter schools made him a front-runner in Tuesday's primary election for a spot on the State Board of Education.

"I'm really appreciative of the people's vote. It reflects the fact that they believe in reform," he said. "The one-size-fits-all model doesn't work anymore."

Cook, who was elected to the State Board of Education in 2008, will face Donna Clontz in the general election. The two beat out contenders Ray Bacon, Scott Carey and Adriana Guzman Fralick to continue the race for the District 2 seat.

Clontz, a community advocate who lives in Reno, ran on a platform of streamlining regulations and encouraging innovation to offer more creative arts, science, technology, career and trade courses.

Cook said that new ideas need to be introduced, and more spending isn't necessarily the answer.

"What happens inside the classroom is what makes the difference," he said. "School districts will adapt to the most effective methods of teaching. That's the fair market in action."

Cook was first elected to public office in 1988 as a member of the Carson City School District Board of Trustees.

He served there for eight years, including as its president in 1993. In 1996, he was elected to the State Board of Education, where he served for four years.

Clontz was unavailable Tuesday night for comment.