Austin – State Senator Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston) today issued the following statement of congratulations to Donna Bahorich after Governor Greg Abbott reappointed her to chair the State Board of Education (SBOE):

“I have followed Donna’s career on the State Board of Education with great interest as she has shown exceptional leadership skills on the State Board of Education,” Senator Bettencourt said. “During her initial term as SBOE Chair, Donna led the Board’s astute oversight of the Texas Permanent School Fund, improved accountability, and increased student opportunities in high-demand fields like software engineering. Donna’s dedication to a strong public education system across the state will continue to guide her leadership on the Board.”

Bahorich, a Houston Republican, was elected to the state board as the District 6 representative in November 2012 and 2016. Governor Abbott named her chair of the SBOE on June 18, 2015.

“I am deeply honored to earn the trust of Governor Abbott in my reappointment,” State Board of Education Chair Donna Bahorich. “Advancing a strong education for EVERY child is my singular mission.”

Highlights of Bahorich’s initial term as SBOE Chair included:

• Launching a series of community conversations and a large online survey (27,000+ responders) to involve educators, parents and business leaders all over Texas by providing public feedback to help shape the future of state testing and school accountability;
• Ensuring that curriculum standards are online to review and evaluate during the revision process to involve educators and the public across the state in helping shape the essential knowledge expectations used to teach Texas children, crucial to achieving better standards, more buy-in and greater effectiveness in teaching Texas standards in the classroom;
• Initiating a series of roundtables to discuss critical issues in Texas education, bringing together national and state experts and practitioners to inform and support policy makers and education leadership; and
• Spearheading efforts now in SBOE rule to require Texas school districts provide the opportunity for all high school students to take courses in computer coding, encouraging Texas students to seek in-demand jobs in an increasingly tech-oriented economy.

“Donna Bahorich’s commitment to the Texas education system is admirable, and the State will be well-served by her continuing to chair the State Board of Education,” Senator Bettencourt concluded.

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