Texas District 5 to Elect Board of Education Member

Voters will decide the state education board race on November 3, 2026, amid debates over curriculum standards and funding.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Administration

Texas District 5 to Elect Board of Education Member

Live Poll

Should your local education board prioritize academic standards over political agendas in classroom curriculum?

Texas District 5 voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a representative for the Texas State Board of Education. The election is one of eight such contests this cycle that will determine the board's voting balance for the next two years.

Why it matters

The board sets curriculum standards and oversees the Texas Permanent School Fund, making the election outcome crucial for state education policy. Currently, the board holds an 11-to-4 Republican majority, which could shift depending on the results in District 5 and other competitive seats.

The Texas State Board of Education oversees 15 total seats, with eight currently up for election. Fixing errors in the board-approved Bluebonnet Learning curriculum is estimated to cost $8.4 million.

The players

Mica Arellano

She is the Republican candidate for the District 5 seat and brings 30 years of experience as an educator.

Allison Bush

She is the Democratic candidate for the District 5 seat and is a veteran educator with 25 years of professional experience.

The details

Candidates Mica Arellano and Allison Bush, who won a primary runoff to secure her spot, are competing for the District 5 seat. The board's responsibilities include adopting Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills curriculum standards, approving instructional materials, and voting on charter school applications.

2024: The board approved the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum.
October 19, 2026: Early voting begins for the election.
November 3, 2026: Election day occurs for the board seat.

Culture Shift

The state board exercises significant influence over the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills curriculum standards that define public education in the state. This election represents a pivotal moment in how these standards are shaped and reviewed in the coming years.

Residents in District 5, which spans Bastrop, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Hays, and Travis counties, will directly determine who represents their interests on the board. The outcome impacts how instructional materials are approved and funded for students across these local communities.

The takeaway

Voters should review the backgrounds of both candidates to understand their positions on curriculum oversight. Being informed about the specific duties of board members can help residents advocate for their preferred educational standards in their local districts.