Texas State Board of Education Election Will Occur in 2026
Texans will elect representatives to fill eight of the 15 board seats during the November 3, 2026, election.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Administration
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Eight seats on the 15-member Texas State Board of Education will be on the ballot during the November 3, 2026, election. This board maintains significant influence over school standards and the management of state financial assets for public education.
Why it matters
The board is responsible for setting the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills education standards that guide curricula in classrooms across the state. Members also oversee the $60 billion Texas Permanent School Fund, which helps lower interest rates on bonds for local school districts.
The board oversees the $60 billion Texas Permanent School Fund, an endowment that generates $150 million in annual public savings. Eight of the 15 total board seats are up for election on November 3, 2026.
The players
Texas State Board of Education
This body has set state education standards and overseen public school financial assets since 1866.
The details
The Texas State Board of Education establishes the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards, which dictate the core curriculum for Texas public schools. Beyond academic oversight, the board manages the Permanent School Fund, a financial entity composed of mineral and oil rights as well as public land grants. By utilizing the fund to guarantee bonds, the board enables school districts to secure lower interest rates, directly impacting district budgets across the state.
Timeline
The board has functioned in its capacity since 1866.
Election Day for the eight state board seats is November 3, 2026.
The Home Front
The Texas State Board of Education holds a long-standing role in the state's education administration, governing both curricula and the $60 billion Permanent School Fund. These elections determine the leadership responsible for these essential education resources.
Parents and property owners should track the board election, as member decisions influence the standards taught in local classrooms and the financial efficiency of their school district. Voters should prepare for the November 3, 2026, election to choose representatives who will manage the state's $60 billion education fund.
The takeaway
The board members elected in 2026 will play a critical role in managing the $60 billion Permanent School Fund and setting academic standards for Texas students. Consider reviewing the responsibilities of your local board seat before the November 3, 2026, election to stay informed on educational policies.
Further reading
Learn more about local school governance in the Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc13 News.
Live Poll
Do you prioritize school curriculum standards when deciding your vote for local board seats?
