Jaden Edison

The meeting happened days before Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pledged $1 million to help establish chapters of the conservative student group on every Texas college and high school campus.

Some advisers have criticized diversity efforts, questioned the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted debunked beliefs.

The Texas comptroller holds tremendous power over the program, including choosing which companies the state will pay millions to help manage it. Voters will decide who runs the agency next year.

The district has struggled to bring students’ grades up, especially at campuses in low-income neighborhoods with large Black and brown populations.

Private schools looking to educate participating students may also have a chance to apply to the program before the end of the year.

Finance and technology company Odyssey will help design the application process, manage payments and review complaints for the state’s education savings accounts.

Free speech experts say that when teachers speak in their personal capacity, even on school grounds but outside their official duties, they retain their right to comment on matters of public concern.

For the first time since Texas authorized the program, the state heard public testimony from people concerned about pre-K funding, special education provisions and data reporting.

Barton’s appointment comes ahead of what is expected to be a politically charged debate over how and what children should learn about history.

Educators worry the plan will deemphasize topics like world geography, history and cultures. The board aims to vote on what specific content social studies lessons will include by next summer.