Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday that he has appointed Aaron Kinsey to chair the Texas State Board of Education.
The appointment follows a special meeting of the State Board of Education (SBOE), during which board members developed a process by which public school systems in Texas can determine what instructional materials to use based on quality and suitability.
Although content frameworks for instructional materials were adopted by an overwhelming majority of the board, the previous board chair, SBOE member Keven Ellis (R-Lufkin), received significant criticism from political consultant Aaron Harris before the meeting. Harris had accused Ellis of being more responsive to the teachers unions that backed his election than the governor who appointed him, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“Dr. Keven Ellis’ time as SBOE Chair marked great achievements for Texas families,” said Abbott, according to a press release. “Dr. Ellis’ steadfast commitment to public education helped us build opportunities to ensure a brighter future for all Texas children, and I thank him for his service to our state.”
Kinsey (R-Midland) will serve as chair until December 18, 2025. He was first elected to the SBOE in 2022.
He also serves as CEO of the aviation oilfield services company American Patrols, Inc., and is an Air Force veteran, having served nine years with 120 combat missions under his belt.
“Aaron Kinsey’s previous service in the Air Force and depth of experience as a business leader will be a boon to the SBOE as he assumes this important role,” the governor said. “Working together with Aaron and the SBOE, Texas will continue to prepare our students to reach greater heights in the Texas of tomorrow.”
The Dallas Express reached out to Aaron Harris about how he felt about Kinsey taking Ellis’ place as chair.
“Fantastic news for Texas’ schoolchildren and their parents,” Harris said.
