2024 General Election: Nevada State Board of Education District 2

Paul B. Davis

 

Paul B. Davis

Residence: Sparks
Occupation: College professor of Government and International Terrorism: Truckee Meadows Community College and UNLV
Age: 76
Contact: davisp775@charter.net

Record of service:
48 years as a full professor of government at TMCC and concurrently 18 years in the Graduate Department at UNLV. I am a three-time International Fulbright Scholar conducting research in India, Egypt, Israel, Russia, Spain, and France and teaching in Germany, Italy, Belgium and Greece. I was a selected participant in the U.S. State Department Scholar-Diplomat Program on National Security in Washington, D.C. I was involved in conducting a program on international peace, security, and conflict management for the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. I am also a two-time National Endowment for the Humanities Research Fellow in the field of international violence and a two-time National Science Foundation scholar. I co-authored a textbook entitled Introduction to Political Terrorism for McGraw-Hill Publishers.

Education:

A.A. in political science – Santa Monica Community College (1967; B.A. degree in political science – California State University, Long Beach (1969); M.A. in political science at San Diego State University (1971); Ph.D. Degree in political science/international relations at The University of Utah (1978).

Briefly describe the core duties of the position.
The official role of the Nevada State Board of Education is to develop the vision and policy goals for student achievement.

A Brief statement about your platform.
My platform seeks to elevate our students' literacy rate. A recent 2023 educational survey showed that Nevada ranks 43rd out of 50 states. It is an embarrassment for everyone who lives in our state of Nevada. We need to do better and look for innovative ways since the old ways are not working to engage and support our students in achieving student success in their academic goals. For example, many of Nevada's High School students today engage in dual credits that allow public school students to take college courses while still in high school. The fact that I am a long-standing TMCC Community College professor and a long-standing UNLV professor involved in the program allows me a unique perspective to assist in the ongoing success of this program and assist fellow state board members.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
I do not presume to be the most qualified person for this position. All the other candidates are well-intentioned individuals who wish our students to reach their maximum educational potential. My unique background might provide a unique perspective in discussions with the others of the State Board of Education.

Angela Orr

 Angela Orr

Residence: Reno

Occupation: Principal of Doral Academy of Northern Nevada

Age: 45

Contact: www.orrfored.com; OrrForEd@gmail.com

Education:
M.Ed. in Educational Administration, Grand Canyon University
M.S. in Educational Specialties: Literacy, University of Nevada, Reno
B.A. in Secondary Education, University of Nevada, Reno

Briefly describe the core duties of the position you are running for.

The State Board develops the vision for student achievement across the state. We review achievement data, assessments, and set standards to ensure teachers and students can grow. I bring a laser focus: we must increase student achievement so that Nevada can become a Top Ten state for educational excellence, and we must start with a commitment to improving early literacy.

A brief statement about your platform
I proudly serve as the principal of Doral Academy. With over 23 years of experience in education spanning secondary and university teaching, curriculum and instruction design, and school administration, I've garnered invaluable insights and maintained a deep commitment to the academic and personal growth of every student.
I want every student to have access to the best public school education and understand that charters can fill a valuable role in innovating and demonstrating what works in education. Every public school in Nevada should offer an exceptional education; our young people deserve nothing less. If we want to improve education, we must focus on supporting teachers to deliver the highest quality instruction and support all schools in maintaining physical and emotional safety for students.
My platform is driven by a vision to ensure that Northern Nevada receives the recognition and resources it rightfully deserves. Time and again, the needs of the ten Northern Nevada counties have been sidelined. I am committed to ensuring we all have a steadfast and passionate voice, and I will advocate tirelessly to elevate our schools and ensure that every child can succeed. This is more than a goal — it's a promise to our community.

What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?
As the only K-12 educator on this ballot with experience as a teacher and teacher educator along with leadership positions at the District and school levels, I bring a lifelong dedication to improving Nevada’s educational system. My journey began as a history and government teacher, where I developed a deep appreciation for the impact of education on young minds. I also I intimately understand the concerns that all parents share about education — because I've lived them myself. These personal experiences were pivotal in my decision to become a principal, where I have ensured our school remains a 5 Star School and is known for developing rigorous and supportive learning environments.
Unlike some candidates seek a seat on the State Board of Education, I did not initially pursue this position through an election. I was honored to be appointed to the role, and as board meeting minutes attest, I jumped right into active participation. I know my firsthand experience in schools offers invaluable insights. I am committed to leveraging my unique perspective to advocate effectively for our schools and children. This role isn't just a position to me—it's a continuation of my life's work, driven by a passion to ensure every child receives the high quality education they deserve.