Stripping the elected board of its authority is not the way to proceed. This would place future curricula in the hands of less accountable entities, especially including the bureaucratic Texas Education Agency. A legislative board would be at least as bad as the current one with the additional disadvantage of diluted accountability for education.

Pro-science Texans must first persuade Governor Perry to remove McLeroy as president of the board (an appointed position) if possible, and to at least not re-appoint him or appoint a similar nut when the current term expires. We must then become involved in every way possible to ensure the election of pro-science members.

Kooks take control of school boards because most of the voters are just not paying attention to these elections. We must get their attention, explain the stakes, and make it clear just what a laughingstock people like McLeroy really are. This must become a major electoral issue. It’s a tall order, I know, but pro-science activists are continually citing the magnitude of the problem. They can start behaving accordingly. It will take money, work, and time, as well as the fortitude to confront some of the most vicious liars this side of Hollywood. If it is really that important, and it is, those things will be forthcoming.