The State Board of Education (SBOE) met January 19-21, 2001. The meeting included a lengthy debate about the SBOE’s rules. Senator Florence Shapiro was also present to swear in five new members and three returning members.

The new members are:

  • Charlie Garza, R-El Paso, who is an assistant principal in the Clint Independent School District. He has served as an education administrator in college, high school, middle and elementary school.  He replaces René Nuňez, D-El Paso.
  • Michael Soto, D-San Antonio, is an associate professor of English at Trinity University. He is also director of the McNair Scholars Program and the author of three books and numerous articles. He replaces Rick Agosto, D-San Antonio.
  • Thomas Ratliff, R-Mount Pleasant, is a governmental relations consultant and lobbyist. He has been an active school volunteer. He replaces Don McLeroy, R-College Station.
  • Marsha Farney, R-Georgetown, is an educator who has taught in both the public schools and at the university level.  She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction.  She replaces Cynthia Dunbar, R-Richmond.
  • George Clayton, R-Richardson, is an academic coordinator at North Dallas High School in the Dallas Independent School District. As an academic coordinator, he is the administrator who oversees the English language arts and reading teachers at North Dallas.

Re-elected and beginning a new term are Lawrence Allen, D-Fresno; Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio; and Bob Craig, R-Lubbock.

Committees:

GAIL LOWE, Chair 
BOB CRAIG, Vice Chair 
MARY HELEN BERLANGA, Secretary

COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION:
BARBARA CARGILL, Chair 
TERRI LEO, Vice Chair
MARY HELEN BERLANGA
GEORGE CLAYTON
MARSHA FARNEY

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL FINANCE/ PERMANENT SCHOOL FUND:
PATRICIA HARDY, Chair
LAWRENCE A. ALLEN, JR.
DAVID BRADLEY
BOB CRAIG
THOMAS RATLIFF  

COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL INITIATIVES: 
KEN MERCER, Chair 
CHARLIE GARZA, Vice Chair 
MAVIS B. KNIGHT
GAIL LOWE
MICHAEL SOTO

Additional information about the board members is available at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=3803.