Thomas Ratliff

Eagle Editorial Board

Dr. Don McLeroy, the local dentist who has represented District 9 on the State Board of Education since 1999, faces a serious challenge from Thomas Ratliff, the scion of a political family with a well-known name.

McLeroy points with pride to the process of revising the curriculum in several areas, saying his efforts have been focused on making the standards more equitable for all students while producing better educational opportunities. The board has adopted new English curricula and finished a controversial and emotional science update. He said the new science curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking by students. Now, he said, the board will turn his attention to revising the social sciences curriculum.

McLeroy said he has been willing to take on the education establishment, something he says Ratliff won't do.

McLeroy was named board chairman in 2007, losing that position two years later when the state Senate refused to confirm him.

McLeroy said he has never injected his strongly held religious beliefs into his work on the state board, although his opponents disagree.

Ratliff's father, Bill, served 11 years in the Texas Senate and then two years as acting lieutenant governor. The younger Ratliff said he wants to improve trust between the State Board of Education and the Legis-lature. He said he favors allowing the board to set a general set of guidelines that can be customized by each school district to meet its needs. He also said the allotment the state gives to each school district to purchase books should be expanded to allow local districts to purchase educational materials they feel best meet the needs of their students.

No question that McLeroy has invested countless hours and much passion in serving on the State Board of Education. We thank McLeroy for his service, but after three terms, it is time for him to leave the board.

The Eagle recommends a vote for Thomas Ratliff for State Board of Education, District 9.