Deciding the Future: Meet the Candidates for State Board of Education District 5

Our Education Landscape in District 5: Candidates on the Horizon

As Central Texas gears up for the March 3 primary election, the State Board of Education District 5 seat is proving to be fiercely contested, drawing six Democratic candidates eager to address the pressing issues within Texas education. For voters in Austin and the surrounding areas, this election will be pivotal in shaping the future of public education.

Meet the Candidates: Who Are They?

The Democratic ballot features a diverse set of experienced educators and advocates, all passionate about reforming Texas's public education system. Here are the candidates:

• Stephanie Limon Bazan: A nonprofit leader and former educator, Bazan emphasizes equity in education, ensuring all Texas children receive high-quality learning experiences regardless of their background.
• Allison Bush: With over 25 years in public education, Bush brings a wealth of experience. She advocates for keeping the focus on student needs rather than political agendas.
• Abigail Gray: A career public school educator and curriculum expert, Gray stresses the necessity for expert input in developing curriculum standards, steering away from ideology-based decisions.
• Kevin Jackson: An educational diagnostician who is passionate about combating the influence of political ideologies in school curricula, promoting honesty in teaching materials.
• Raul Ernesto "Neto" Longoria: A former bilingual special education teacher, Longoria aims to bring transparency and community voice to education policy.
• Victor Sampson: An associate professor focused on STEM education, Sampson is dedicated to aligning policies with research to foster more effective learning environments.

Key Issues: What’s At Stake?

Each candidate has identified critical challenges the education system faces in Texas:

• Funding: Chronic underfunding of public schools remains a pressing issue. Many candidates point out that without adequate resources, schools struggle to maintain class sizes and retain qualified teachers, jeopardizing student support systems.
• Curriculum Standards: There is a consensus that Texas's curriculum needs to be rigorous and developmentally appropriate. Opposing any political manipulation of educational content, candidates emphasize the importance of accurate and comprehensive teaching materials.
• Student Equity: Addressing the disparities faced by students from low-income backgrounds is essential. Candidates advocate for targeted resources that could help increase accessibility to post-secondary education.

The Importance of This Election for Local Voters

For residents in District 5, the significance of this election extends beyond the classroom. The next member of the State Board of Education will deal with areas that affect daily life—economic development, equity in education, and the overall development of community resources. These local shifts can influence the quality of education for generations to come.

How Voters Can Shape Education: Getting Involved

Engagement in the electoral process is critical. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves about the candidates' positions and policies. A well-informed electorate can demand better from their Board of Education and ensure that elected officials adhere to a progressive, empathetic approach to public education.

What’s Next?

As election day approaches, local news outlets, including Austin News, are providing ongoing coverage. Voters are urged to check registration deadlines, explore candidate platforms, and participate actively in early voting, which runs from February 17 to February 27, 2026.

The State Board of Education is at a critical crossroads, and the choices made by Central Texas voters will impact the direction of educational policies for years to come. Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard in this vital election.