Community members across the Gulf Coast region are invited to join the State Board of Education (SBOE) District 7 Candidate Forum. This is an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates who help shape what millions of Texas students learn in public schools. This forum gives voters a clear look at each candidate’s priorities on curriculum, textbooks, school funding oversight, and the future of public education in our state. Candidates attending include Janell Burse, Tiffany Perkinz, Debra Drake Ambroise, Ben Estrada and Adam Khan. The event is organized by Moms for Public Education and Indivisible Fort Bend County.
The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) plays a powerful and often under‑recognized role in shaping public education statewide. Its decisions affect every classroom, every teacher, and every student in Texas. The SBOE:
Key Responsibilities
- Sets statewide curriculum standards: Determines what students are required to learn in every subject, from science and social studies to reading and math.
- Approves textbooks and instructional materials: Publishers must align with SBOE standards, giving the board major influence over what appears in classrooms.
- Oversees the Permanent School Fund: Manages a multibillion‑dollar endowment that supports public school funding across Texas.
- Sets graduation requirements: Determines what courses and credits students need to earn a Texas high school diploma.
- Reviews and approves new charter school applications: Plays a gatekeeping role in the expansion of charter schools.
- Engages in long‑term planning: Guides statewide education policy priorities and updates standards on a recurring cycle.
Because the SBOE controls curriculum and textbooks, its decisions shape how students learn about science, history, health, government, and more. That makes District 7’s representation especially important for families in the Gulf Coast region.
Counties Fully or Partially in District 7
- Brazoria County
- Galveston County
- Jefferson County
- Chambers County
- Harris County (portions)
- Fort Bend County (portions)
- Orange County (portions)
- Liberty County (portions)
With curriculum debates intensifying statewide, the SBOE has become one of the most consequential elected bodies in Texas. Decisions made by District 7’s representative will influence:
- How science and history are taught
- What books and materials are available in classrooms
- Charter school expansion
- Graduation pathways and career readiness programs
- Long‑term investment of the Permanent School Fund
For parents, educators, and community members, this forum is a chance to hear directly from the candidates and understand their vision for Texas students.
