North Texas Sun sent questions to all candidates listed on the ballot in the Republican and Democratic primaries, which are being held on March 3. Early voting runs Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, including Sunday.

Check the Denton County Elections Administration website see who is on your ballot and where to vote on Election Day.

Republican primary

Mindy Bumgarner did not return the questionnaire.

Democratic primary

Name: Amy Taylor

Age: 54

Occupation: Public school teacher (15 years), currently teaching English Language Arts in a Title I school in North Texas. I will continue teaching if elected. It's my life's work. 

Website: www.amytaylortexas.com

What made you want to run for State Board of Education?

I decided to run because classroom teachers rarely have a seat at the table when statewide education decisions are made. I’ve watched policies shift in ways that affect students and teachers directly, and I believe those decisions should be informed by real classroom experience. Public education is foundational to our communities, and I want to ensure it remains strong.

It’s clear this race has attracted significant outside money and political attention. But I’m running because public education shouldn’t be driven by ideology or large checks — it should be guided by educators and by what students actually need. I’ve spent 15 years in a Title I classroom, and I believe public schools belong to communities, not special interests.

What experience do you have for the position?

I’ve spent 15 years teaching in public schools, working with a wide range of students, including English learners and students receiving special education and gifted services. That experience gives me firsthand insight into how standards and instructional materials work in practice. I’ve also served in local leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Denton County Democratic Party and on the City of Denton’s Library Board.

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

I plan to strengthen the integrity of curriculum standards, ensure instructional materials are accurate and developmentally appropriate, and maintain strong oversight of charter approvals and educator certification standards. My goal is to bring a practical classroom perspective to decisions that shape public education statewide.

What do you view as the most important task of the board?

The board’s most important responsibility is setting and safeguarding academic standards. Those standards shape what students learn across Texas and should reflect academic rigor, research, and professional expertise.

What curriculum standards do you think need to be addressed or changed?

As the state revises TEKS, I would prioritize strong early literacy standards grounded in research on the science of reading and clear, academically sound social studies standards that present history in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way. Standards should prepare students for critical thinking and for navigating a rapidly changing world.