Texas school board decides on curriculum, textbooks. Here’s our endorsement | Opinion
Two Republicans are vying for the State Board of Education’s District 11. From textbooks to curricula and charter schools, the board is frequently embroiled in controversial yet important issues.
Brandon Hall, a Weatherford pastor, is challenging incumbent Patricia “Pat” Hardy, and we think Hardy’s work has earned her a shot at another term.
Hardy, 75, was originally elected in 2002. A retired educator who lives in Fort Worth, Hardy understands the way kids learn and how to improve their education experience, particularly as it relates to curriculum. She wants to encourage parental involvement in education, but also boost teacher experiences.
“We do what is best for kids as a state board,” she says.
Hardy is looking forward to the board revisiting social studies standards, initially reviewed last year, and noted that math standards are up for review as well.
In our interview, Hall, 28, expressed concern about cultural issues influencing education in schools and wants to encourage residents to embrace school choice. He’s also an advocate of parental rights. While his zeal is obvious, he parrots too many far-right talking points that don’t mirror everyday concerns with our schools. For instance, he talked about wanting to dismantle critical race theory in schools, but the Legislature has already banned it.
The district covers much of Tarrant and Johnson counties, and all of Parker, Somervell and Hood counties. Early voting in the primary begins Feb. 20 and runs through March 1. Election Day is March 5. The winner is all but assured to take the seat, as no Democrat is running. Board members serve four-year terms.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published February 14, 2024 at 5:24 AM.