Homeschool Mom Named Head of State Board of Education

The new chair of the state board of education in Texas is now a homeschooling mom.

On June 18, Donna Bahorich was appointed to the highest role of the state’s 15-member board by Governor Greg Abbott. Her promotion was criticized since her three sons never stepped foot in a public school; however, in a newsletter post, Bahorich said she welcomes the great expectations and responsibility associated with her new calling.

“Please know my fellow board members and I embrace our mission to continue to work with all our hearts on ensuring EVERY student has a chance to receive a quality education in our public schools,” wrote Bahorich. “It is the public schools, where 88% of our students are, that will have the greatest impact on the future of Texas and, indeed, the nation. There is no greater calling than to be a part of this mission.”

According to The Christian Science Monitor, Bahorich’s first initiative as chair of the board is to have a roundtable discussion with textbook publishers about their vision for the future. She also hopes to have more technical training in high schools and increase abstinence education.

Elected to the state board of education in November 2012, Bahorich is in the middle of a four-year term that runs through February 1, 2017.

Do you think homeschoolers should be members of a state’s board of education? Why or why not?