Runoff election to determine Texas State Board of Education seats

Two Republican primaries for the Texas State Board of Education are heating up as the May 28 runoff elections approach. The District 12 race, which includes parts of Dallas and Collin counties, is particularly contentious.

Early voting begins on Monday, May 20, and runs through the week leading up to the primary runoff elections. These elections will determine the candidates for the general election on Nov. 5.

The State Board of Education plays a crucial role in setting public school curriculum standards and reviewing and adopting instructional materials. With a majority of Republicans on the board, the decisions made have become more conservative in recent years. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Aaron Kinsey as chairman last year, further solidifying the board’s conservative direction.

In the District 12 race, incumbent Pam Little, the board’s vice chair, is facing off against Jamie Kohlmann. Little, a businesswoman, has been on the board since 2018 and is focusing on reviewing math standards and expanding career and technology courses if reelected. Kohlmann, a real estate agent, is emphasizing the importance of aligning instructional materials with Texas values and empowering parents in education.

In District 10, incumbent Tom Maynard is up against Mary Bone. Maynard, a former agriculture science teacher, is prioritizing protecting students from inappropriate content and reviewing social studies standards. Bone, a member of the Round Rock ISD school board, is committed to improving student achievement and ensuring transparency in education.

The winners of these runoff elections will face Democratic, Green Party, and Libertarian candidates in the general election. The outcome of these races could have a significant impact on the future of education in Texas.