Micheal Williams will be the first African American to hold the position. He lacks a background in education, but has held multiple positions in state and national government and hews closely to the governor's business oriented policies.
For further info:
- The Fort Worth Star Telegram
- The Austin American Statesman.
Williams assumes leadership of the Texas Education Agency during a
time of political, legal and financial tumult. He will have to contend
immediately with school finance litigation that goes to trial this fall,
battles over a controversial standardized testing system, a continuing
budget crunch and an in-depth review of the agency by the Legislature.
A
staunch conservative, Williams has long been a vocal advocate of
providing public school students with vouchers to attend private school.
He could serve as an important ally for lawmakers who plan to push for a
voucher program in the next legislative session.