McLeroy Position in Jeopardy

According to the Austin American-Statesman, the reappointment of Don McLeroy may not be as done a deal as was widely thought, thanks to the efforts of two State Senators:

Democratic senators Kirk Watson of Austin and Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso challenged McLeroy over his leadership during a number of controversial Board of Education decisions, including the recent adoption of new science curriculum standards that critics say undermine the teaching of evolution.

Shapleigh said he plans to have McLeroy separated from the others when his nomination comes up on the Senate floor so that it could be debated and voted on individually.

“You’ve created a hornet’s nest like I’ve never seen,” Shapleigh said, noting that 15 bills - “the most I’ve ever seen” - have been filed during this legislative session to strip various powers from the State Board of Education.

Although he has been reappointed for the headship, he has to be confirmed by the senate and get two-thirds votes from the floor. He does need to be replaced.