Perry names Lowe to lead ed board

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Gov. Rick Perry has named Gail Lowe to chair the State Board of Education, ending speculation over which conservative would take over the board after the Senate refused to confirm Don McLeroy..

McLeroy, a conservative Bryan dentist, was a lightning rod for controversy during his term as the board chair. McLeroy's tenure included the passage of new standards for English/language arts/reading and science, both of which were wrought with controversy.The Texas Senate, citing McLeroy's controversial stance on evolution and its contentious debate, refused to confirm McLeroy as SBOE chair.

Some had speculated McLeroy would be replaced by Cynthia Dunbar, a hard-right lawyer who homeschools her children. Dunbar claimed, during the last presidential campaign, that Democrat Barack Obama was plotting with terrorists to attack the United States and that he would declare martial law in the country if he was elected. Lowe, who also is a member of the board's conservative bloc, is considered more moderate.

Asked what her leadership style might be as the board's new chair, Lowe said that still remains to be seen.The State Board of Education meets next week.

"It's an overwhelming responsibility," Lowe said. "Anyone who has watched me as a member, though, knows I'm not an aggressive outspoken type. I hope that I am well-spoken and informed, but I also listen to all sides of the argument. I hope I still will be as I guide the board as its chair, to be fair-minded and willing to listen to all sides."

The conservative Free Market Foundation, which was active in the Bible and science curriculum debate, called Lowe one fo the more conservative SBOE members.

“We applaud Gov. Perry for making an excellent choice for our new State Board of Education chair,” said Kelly Shackelford, president of Free Market Foundation. “Gail Lowe is a strong conservative, representing Texas values, and has long been a leader in the field of education, in her local community, and in various roles as a State Board of Education member.”

The Texas Freedom Network, which advocates against many of the conservative bloc's decisions, also issued a statement.

“It’s disappointing that instead of choosing a mainstream conservative who could heal the divisions on the board, the governor once again appointed someone who repeatedly has put political agendas ahead of the education of Texas schoolchildren," said TFN President Kathy Miller. "Ms. Lowe has marched in lockstep with a faction of board members who believe that their personal beliefs are more important than the experience and expertise of teachers and academics who have dedicated their careers to educating our children and helping them succeed. We can only hope that she will rise above her history on the board and as chair keep fellow members from continuing to hold the education of our children hostage to divisive ‘culture war’ battles.”

Lowe, a former member of the Lampasas school board, is the co-publisher of the semi-weekly Lampasas Dispatch Record, which has been owned by her husband's family for three generations. Lowe was elected to the State Board of Education in 2002. During her tenure, she has served as chair and vice chair of the board subcommittee on school initiatives. Lowe currently serves as a member on the committee that oversees the Permanent School Fund.