2013 Texas Tribune Festival

Smith reports on politics and education for The Texas Tribune. She writes about the effects of the state budget, school finance reform, accountability and testing in Texas public schools. In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for "Death of a District... Read More →

Huberty, R-Houston, was elected in 2010 to represent District 127 in the Texas House. He is a member on the Public Education and State Affairs committees. He also serves as the secretary of the House Republican Caucus. Previously, he sat on the Board of Trustees for Humble Independent... Read More →

Patrick, R-Houston, is running for lieutenant governor and has represented District 7 in the Texas Senate since 2006. He serves as chairman of the Education Committee and sits on the Higher Education, Transportation, Criminal Justice, Finance and Redistricting committees. His proudest... Read More →

Villarreal, D-San Antonio, has represented District 123 in the Texas House since 2000. He is the chairman of the Investments and Financial Services Committee and sits on the Public Education Committee. He is currently earning his Ph.D. in public policy at The University of Texas at... Read More →

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Williams in 2012 to head the Texas Education Agency. Williams serves as the governor’s appointee to the Southern Regional Education Board, the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and the Education Commission of the States... Read More →