Issues – Will Hickman for State Board of Education

What does the State Board of Education do?

Decides what curriculum standards (TEKS) will be taught and what textbooks and materials Texas children use that implement those curriculum standards.
Oversees the $44 billon Permanent School Fund (PSF) and distributions for the 5.4 million students of Texas.
Approves or vetoes new Public Charter School Applicants.

Why keep Will Hickman on the Texas State Board of Education?

He has positive and compelling vision where every student will have a customized “Flight Plan” to achieve their own American Dream.
He is a parent with three kids in public schools. He brings a parent’s perspective to the SBOE and is in favor of full parental access to their kid’s classrooms. He is in favor of parents choosing the best educational options for their kids. He is against school closures, virtual learning, vaccine mandates, and mask mandates.
He is against CRT and SEL, and in favor of RRR (reading, writing, and arithmetic). For him, the goal of Texas education is to prepare the students for the day after graduation: enrolling in college, starting their career, starting a business, or enlisting in the military.
He has a strong record of reaching out to people of different cultures, perspectives and political views to work together to solve big challenges facing the community.
He has the resume and experience to keep doing the job well, with over 20 years of business, legal, political, and investment experience.

What are Will Hickman’s educational priorities?

Identify and implement innovative strategies to foster high quality education that includes reading, communication, math, and science proficiency, as well as knowledge of civics, history, financial literacy, problem solving and employability skills (such as critical thinking, interpersonal skills, time management and perseverance).
Leverage educational, public service and professional learnings and experiences to build a consensus of parents, educators, subject matter experts, and other board members to develop and approve curricula and standards and to approve instructional materials that will best prepare Texas children for the future.
Empower families to choose a high-quality education that meets their child’s unique needs, which includes allowing access to educational choice and charter schools.
Provide students with disabilities and/or economic disadvantages the opportunities, resources and appropriate support for meaningful and ambitious educational outcomes.
Ensure a safe, positive, and respectful school environment that values all students and teachers.