How angry parents helped flip Texas: choosing real education over culture wars
Summary
Texas voters concerned about school policy helped elect Democrats to the state education board, giving the party a probable majority for the first time in more than 30 years, although one race remains uncalled. The incoming members say they want to emphasize student learning and research, but Republican control of the state senate will limit efforts to change some policies.Key Facts
- Michelle Palmer, a history and government teacher, won a seat on the Texas State Board of Education.
- Democrats are projected to hold a majority on the board for the first time in more than 30 years, with one race still undecided.
- An August poll found that 45% of Texans disapproved of the state’s handling of K-12 education, while 28% approved.
- Voters raised concerns about a state voucher program that directs $1 billion in public money to private schools.
- Critics say Texas social studies standards minimize slavery’s impact and portray Islam negatively.
- The education board approved Bluebonnet Learning in 2024, a curriculum that includes Bible stories and verses; districts do not have to adopt it but receive state funding for doing so.
- Texas lawmakers passed a law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
- Republicans will retain control of the Texas state senate, limiting how much the incoming governor can change the voucher program.
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