Shift in Power: Newcomers Win Cy-Fair ISD Board Seats
The Cy-Fair ISD board of trustees will have a new look after a slate of nonpartisan newcomers won their respective races, breaking the conservative majority that had controlled the board. Lesley Guilmart, Cleveland Lane Jr., and Kendra Camarena, who campaigned together, each garnered at least 44.8% of the vote in their respective elections.
The New Board Members
Guilmart won position 5 with 50.9% of the vote, while Lane unseated board President Scott Henry in position 6 with 44.8% of the vote. Camarena won position 7 with 40% of the vote. The victories mean that the remaining conservative board members will be outnumbered 4-3.
Impact on the School District
The Cy-Fair ISD is the third-largest school district in Texas, overseeing 117,000 students and a $1.2 billion budget. The new board members will serve four-year terms, and leadership roles on the board will be newly determined after the election. The shift in power could lead to changes in the district’s policies, including its approach to book banning, Bible-focused elective courses, and textbook content.
Background on the Election
Two years ago, conservatives gained a 6-1 majority on the board and implemented several right-wing policies. However, the election results suggest a swing back towards the center of the political spectrum. Brandon Rottinghaus, a professor of political science at the University of Houston, noted that the election illustrates how partisan dynamics have crept into nonpartisan races.
Analysis of the Results
Rottinghaus said that voters in school board elections prioritize pragmatism and centrism, and that extreme policies can lead to backlash. The internal competition among conservatives, including the split between former allies Blasingame and Henry, may have contributed to the newcomers’ victories.
The Conservative Slate
Blasingame, who previously held position 5, chose to run for the seat occupied by Henry, her former ally. The two conservatives in one race may have split the voter bloc, allowing Lane an easier path to victory. The "NRG" slate, which included Blasingame, Walker, and Edwards, did not fare well in the election.
Conclusion
The Cy-Fair ISD board election results mark a significant shift in power and could lead to changes in the district’s policies. The newcomers’ victories suggest that voters are looking for a more centrist approach to education, and that extreme policies may not be well-received. As the new board members take office, they will face the challenge of balancing competing interests and priorities to serve the needs of the district’s 117,000 students.
