Perry Appoints New State Board of Education Chairman

The slightly less Ann Coulter-esque choice

By HOLLY LAFON

Updated 1:12 PM CST, Sun, Jul 12, 2009

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Gov. Rick Perry has appointed a new State Board of Education chief, Gail Lowe.

Lowe, a conservative, was still a far less controversial choice than another potential appointee, Cynthia Dunbar (less Obama citizenship questioning, at least). She has been a member of the board since 2002, and is also publisher of a bi-weekly newspaper, the Lampasas Dispatch Record, and a former trustee of the Lampasas Independent School District.

However, she has fervidly advocated for Creationism in the classroom enough to draw plenty of criticism. The former SBOE chairman, Don McLeroy, lost his position partially due to his polarizing views on the subject.

Lowe will launch into her new role next week when the board holds a four-day meeting. Her term will end on Feb. 1, 2011, unless the Senate chooses to renew it. If that doesn't happen and Perry is still governor, odds are looking pretty good that he will just appoint another conservative.

Holly LaFon has written and worked for various local publications including D Magazine and Examiner.