Posted on 06/25/2015 4:37:30 PM PDT by InMemoriam
Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed a person to lead the State Board of Education during his time in office. But he’s now being criticized for selecting someone whose own kids have never attended a public school.
For the last two years Houston Republican Donna Bahorich served as a member of the State Board of Education. Before that she worked for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s previous state senate campaign, and she was one his top choices when asked who should succeed outgoing chair Barbara Cargil.
“My research and my work and my desire and interests have all been in education, so when there was an opportunity for me to run for office it seems like such a natural fit for me because of my intense interest in this area and because of the relationships I had formed while serving in then-Senator Patrick’s office, Bahorich said.
Bahorich’s appointment is being criticized by some education groups as well as by some of her colleagues because all three of her sons were home schooled and later attended a private high school.
Mt. Pleasanton Republican and State Board member-Thomas Ratliff points out, “Public school isn’t for everybody, but when 94-percent of our students in Texas attend public schools I think it ought to be a baseline requirement that the chair of the State Board of Education have at least some experience in that realm, as a parent, teacher, something,”
Bahorich says a lot of parents just want to have more school choices. And she admits her background on the state board is certainly a non-traditional one. But she argues that she is as familiar with important issues of the day as any other member of the state board.
One of Bahorich first initiatives will be to have a roundtable discussion with textbook publishers about their vision for the future and how to possibly reduce the cost of classroom content.
Awesome
Ladies and Gentlemen, Governor Abbot, distinguished members of the cabinet...I would like to thank you all very much for this appointment, and I wish to announce that the first item on my agenda is to close the State Dept of “Education”.
Thank you very much.
The Governor recently passed legislation requiring cameras in Special Education rooms because, apparently, there is an issue with criminals harming vulnerable children in those areas. I say criminals because now there will be proof of abuse so they can rot in prison where they belong. Liberals are stunned - not knowing if they are supposed to support the children or the teachers union.
I agree - except for the Oklahoma part.... ;^)
Well! Surprise! Surprise!
Technically there are cameras in all classrooms now - with cell phones. All too often we see on tv a student attack a teacher in Houston schools and another student captures it on their phone. It always makes the adult look like the bad guy for defending himself..... But I agree with you - there should be documentation for whichever side is in the right.
One must wonder if the complainers realize what that says about all the politicians that enact so many Freedom-inhibiting "laws" and their capacity to make laws about crap they have no practical experience in. I'd wager it is NEA/Teacher Union types making the biggest stink and they seem to have no useful experience in education either.....
Yes...
It’s a great state. btw, my DIL is homeschooling so we are all excited about Abbott’s choice!
They're already colonizing Austin. If, however, we could build a wall around that city to keep them in, we might be all right.
Fantastic! Gov Abbott is rockin’ it!
YES. Suck it libs.
So far Gov. Abbott seems to be the only gov. with BALLS.
I hope he stays resolute and some more govs. do the same.
blue screen of death
BLUE STATE OF DEATH
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.