MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — During this election season, many people will be focused on the Governor's race, which is important. However, there are other important races you need to know about.
This year the state's Board of Education members are all up for re-election. There will be 2 races on the ballot for the Central Texas area, this includes one for District 10 and one for District 14.
Why You Should Care
The Board of Education is made up of 15 members with each representing about 1.8 million Texas. The board plays a major part in your child's education.
The board is responsible for setting curriculum standards, reviewing instructional materials, and establishing graduation materials.
The board also is in charge of the Texas Permanent School Fund and is the final decision in approving the rules for the certification of educators.
The Candidates
District 10
District 10 includes the counties of Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Burleson, Burnet, Falls, Fayette, Freestone, Lee, Leon, Limestone, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Waller, Washington, Williamson, and a part of Travis.
Tom Maynard (R)
Tom Maynard, the incumbent, is running uncontested. This will be Maynard's 4th term on the Board of Education.
Maynard focuses on enabling good teachers, demanding accountability, supporting local control, and preparing students for their futures.
To read more on the issues Maynard focuses on, visit his campaign site here.
District 14
District 14 Includes the counties of Bosque, Brown, Comanche, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Lampasas, McLennan, Mills, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Somervell, Stephens, and Wise.
Sue Melton-Malone (R)
Sue Melton-Malone, the incumbent, will be running for her 4th term on the Board.
Melton focuses on changing the standards of testing, re-evaluating the curriculum teachers are given through TEKS, and increasing Texas schools' access to textbooks.
To read more on the issues Malone focuses on, visit her campaign site here.
Evelyn Brooks (R)
Evelyn Brooks has been in education for 23 years as a former teacher, mentor, STEM camp leader, and more.
Brooks focuses on a parent's involvement in their child's education, like supporting school choice.
Brooks has also placed a large focus on her views of opposing Comprehensive Sex Education and Social-Emotional Learning.
To read more on the issues Brooks focuses on, visit her campaign site here.
Tracy Fisher (D)
Tracy Fisher is the only Democrat running for the position.
Fisher has worked with education leaders since 2011. She has worked with multiple school boards and committees for nearly 25 years.
Fisher's campaign is centered around rethinking Texas' education standards through testing.
She also wants to increase the retention of professional educators and reinvest tax dollars into Texas' public school classrooms.
To read more on the issues Fisher focuses on, visit her campaign site here.