AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is taking heat from liberals and the education establishment for appointing a homeschool mother to chair the State Board of Education.

“This appointment almost guarantees the board will continue to put culture war agendas ahead of educating more than 5 million Texas kids,” Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller wrote in a prepared statement, according to The Austin Chronicle.

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Abbott this week appointed Donna Bahorich as the new chair of the Board of Education. Bahorich served on the board the last two years, and previously worked as a communications manager for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Bahorich homeschooled her three sons before sending them to a private high school, which her critics believe should exclude her from steering the state’s education system.

“Public school isn’t for everybody, but when 94 percent of our students in Texas attend public schools I think it ought to be a baseline requirement that the chair of the State Board of Education have at least some experience in that realm, as a parent, teacher, something,” fellow Republican state board member Thomas Ratliff told Texas Public Radio.

Bahorich, meanwhile, has argued she’s more than qualified to lead.

“My research and my work and my desire and interests have all been in education, so when there was an opportunity for me to run for office it seems like such a natural fit for me because of my intense interest in this area and because of the relationships I had formed while serving in then-Senator Patrick’s office,” she said.

Bahorich’s appointment comes amid criticism of Abbott’s recent veto of Senate Bill 359, which would have allowed doctors to detain a patient who voluntarily requests treatment if the doctor deems the person a danger to themselves or others.

Abbott’s critics contend the veto is simply the governor kowtowing to the Texas Home School Coalition, which opposed the measure, TPR reports.

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Regardless, it’s clear Abbott wants the head of the state’s school system to consider other options for improving education, as Bahorich has been the only board member to support private school vouchers in the past.

“Bahorich says a lot of parents just want to have more school choices.  And she admits her background on the state board is certainly a non-traditional one.  But she argues that she is as familiar with important issues of the day as any other member of the state board,” TPR reports.

“One of Bahorich first initiatives will be to have a roundtable discussion with textbook publishers about their vision for the future and how to possibly reduce the cost of classroom content.”

News of Bahorich’s appointment, of course, has some of the state’s public school teachers howling.

“What, no experience in public school! What in the world was he thinking? I have 21 years teaching in public education. If public education wasn’t good enough for her or her sons then she has no business being appointed,” Cindy Irby Maxton posted to TPR.

“It is going to be difficult to take recommendations from someone who has no experience in public education. As a 20 year veteran educator I am appalled that those who have a vested interest are not considered when decisions that affect the system we are dedicated to are considered to be a part of the decision governing body. How arrogant to think that you are equipped to direct or advise anything in my field. God help us all,” commenter veteran educator posted.

Other educators seem to understand why Abbot made the decision he did.

“As a former classroom teacher and a woman who currently homeschools her own children, I understand both sides of the situation. You certainly don’t need to work within a broken system to know how to fix it!” Cynthia wrote.

“Do you need to be a drunk to help alcoholics – nope! It is refreshing that government is looking towards a person who is well versed in the possibilities for good educational options! We should count ourselves fortunate that our Governor isn’t simply trying to put Band-Aids on a broken system, but is trying to appoint problem solvers and outside of the box thinkers – something that the public school system simply doesn’t understand.”