The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is facing significant scrutiny and legislative challenges, particularly due to the controversial leadership of Chairman Don McLeroy, who is known for his anti-science stance, including creationist beliefs. Lawmakers, such as Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, have expressed their frustrations, with 15 bills introduced to limit the SBOE’s authority over curriculum and textbook selection. One bill, House Joint Resolution 77, seeks a constitutional amendment to transfer control of the Permanent School Fund to a group of appointed financial experts, gaining strong initial support in the House. Representative Donna Howard is pushing for more transparency in SBOE meetings and advocating for nonpartisan elections for SBOE members to promote informed voter decisions. Despite these efforts, the outlook for McLeroy’s continued leadership remains uncertain as he faces opposition, and Governor Rick Perry has shown reluctance to intervene in the matter. Additionally, another bill aims to place the SBOE under review by the Sunset Advisory Commission while preventing its abolition.
Examining the Anti-Science Agenda of the SBOE
By xpectafight
