Exploring the Diverse Visions for Texas Schools: Meet Tarrant’s Newly Elected State Board of Education Members

Two new representatives from Tarrant County will join the State Board of Education in late January. Tiffany Clark, a Democrat, won the election for District 13, which includes parts of Tarrant and Dallas counties. In District 11, Republican Brandon Hall will represent Tarrant, Johnson, Dallas, Parker, Hood, and Somervell counties.

As they prepare for their first meeting on January 28, both Clark and Hall are eager to address critical issues within the education system. Hall, who is also a pastor in Springtown, took his oath on January 1. He aims to focus on high-quality instructional materials, enhancing charter schools, revising social studies standards, and championing parental rights in education.

At a recent ceremony, Clark celebrated her new role surrounded by former students and fellow educators. She replaces Aicha Davis, who resigned to run for the Texas Legislature. Clark, a former trustee and school counselor, is passionate about making a difference in education. “Being called to do something makes the unpaid job worth it,” she shared.

Clark’s priorities include advocating for students’ equitable rights, tackling mental health issues in schools, and ensuring a balanced curriculum. She wants to improve state testing methods to align better with educational standards, which is essential for preparing students for future challenges.

On the other hand, Hall emphasizes the importance of parental involvement. He believes that parents should have a significant say in their children’s education. “Parents are the primary stakeholders in their child’s education,” he stated, stressing the need to listen to their concerns about school materials.

Both representatives recognize the impact of mental health on educational success. Clark is committed to supporting the well-being of students and teachers, believing that reducing stress is vital for creating a successful learning environment. She is also against book bans, which she sees as harmful to students. “We have to keep books available for all,” she insisted.

Hall advocates for removing books with inappropriate content from schools. He regularly hears from parents about these issues, which he takes seriously. However, Clark has noted that her constituents often focus on different priorities, encouraging community involvement to better support local schools.

As they head to Austin, both are ready to start their work. Clark’s message is clear: “It’s time to get to work.”

Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. You can reach him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or on Twitter: @matthewsgroi1.

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