Cook wins third bid to state board of education

Dave Cook credits his "robocalls" for his third win to the State Board of Education on Tuesday.

"I spent so much time trying to contact voters," he said. "I felt it was my responsibility to contact people and tell them about myself and my positions. Those people who were patient with me, I give them my appreciation."

Cook was first elected to the board in 2000. In 2004, he was defeated but returned in 2008 to his second, four-year term.

On Tuesday, he beat challenger Donna Clontz for the District 2 seat.

Cook said he will continue working on statewide reforms, which include new teacher and student evaluation systems as well as a revised High School Proficiency Exam.

"A lot of exciting things are happening," he said. "It becomes my job to see that these things get put in places."

Cook said he's won the trust of his constituents as a licensed math teacher at an online charter school and former college professor.

"I will walk the walk," he said. "If I don't mind being evaluated, I think all teachers can be evaluated. I understand what the reforms mean, and I can support them because I can see how they're going to work."

Cook said he sees his position as trustee as an influential one.

"We really can do a much better job," he said. "We can make a difference."

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.

Clontz was unavailable for comment.

This will be Cook's last term before reaching his 12-year limit.

"I want to do a good job," he said. "I want people to say, 'Cook made a difference, and we're better off.'"