Texas education board chairwoman stepping down

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http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/texas-legislature/headlines/20110526-texas-education-board-chairwoman-stepping-down.ece

AUSTIN — State Board of Education Chairwoman Gail Lowe, who could not win Senate confirmation because of opposition from Democrats, will be stepping down from her leadership post after the legislative session ends on Monday.

Lowe, R-Lampasas, who chaired the board for nearly two years, had been appointed to a new term by Gov. Rick Perry, but the appointment was subject to confirmation by the Senate during the current session.

Democrats blocked the confirmation, which requires two-thirds of senators to approve. Democrats hold 12 of the 31 seats in the chamber.

Board members on both sides of the political spectrum said Lowe was fair in her decisions as chairwoman.

Democrats found fault because Lowe generally votes with the board’s social conservatives and supported new curriculum standards in U.S. history and science that sparked criticism from educators and leading civil rights groups.