Mindy Bumgarner

Mindy Bumgarner earned a high school diploma from Big Spring High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Austin College in 2007, a master’s degree in Community Mental Health, a master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University. Her career experience includes working as a operations director.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m running for the Texas State Board of Education because our children deserve an education focused on excellence, not agendas. Parents deserve a voice, teachers deserve support, and students deserve strong fundamentals in reading, writing, arithmetic, history taught with depth and context, and practical life skills that prepare them to think critically, work hard, and succeed in the real world rather than being pulled into political debates.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Parents deserve a formal and respected role in their children’s education because public schools are accountable to the families they serve. Education policy should require transparency in curriculum adoption, instructional materials, and academic standards so parents can clearly understand what is being taught and how student progress is measured. Meaningful parental input through public hearings, curriculum review processes, and open communication with school districts strengthens accountability and improves educational outcomes. When parents are treated as partners in decision making rather than obstacles, policies are better informed, trust in the system is restored, and schools are better equipped to focus on academic excellence.A strong conservative curriculum returns education to its core purpose of building knowledge, skills, and character rather than advancing political agendas. Schools should prioritize reading proficiency, clear and effective writing, solid arithmetic foundations, and history taught chronologically with depth, context, and factual accuracy. This approach allows students to understand cause and effect, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a shared understanding of our nation’s history and civic foundations. By focusing on academic fundamentals and practical life skills, education prepares students to be informed citizens, productive workers, and independent thinkers equipped for real world success.Respecting teachers is essential to providing students with a clear and high quality curriculum. Teachers are most effective when they are given well structured instructional materials, clear academic standards, and the professional trust to teach without constant political interference. A strong curriculum should support teachers by reducing confusion, eliminating conflicting directives, and allowing them to focus on instruction rather than navigating controversy. When teachers are respected as professionals and supported with coherent curriculum and training, classrooms become more effective, learning improves, and students are better prepared for long term academic success.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about public policy that strengthens education through a clear, conservative curriculum focused on academic excellence. Public education should be built around proven fundamentals that help children master reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and essential life skills rather than shifting political priorities. Thoughtful policy decisions at the state level shape curriculum quality, classroom clarity, and long term student outcomes. When policy is grounded in high standards, transparency, and accountability, it creates an environment where students can succeed, teachers can teach effectively, and parents can trust the system preparing their children for future opportunity and responsible citizenship.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Governor Greg Abbott

Representative Ben Bumgarner

Representative Richard Hayes

Representative Angela Orr

Representative Pat Curry

Representative Cody Harris

Representative James Frank

Representative Tom Oliverson

Representative John McQueeney

Senator Brent Hagenbuch

Senator Adam Hinojosa

Congressman Pat Fallon

Congressman Brandon Gill

County Commissioner Diane Edmondson

Frisco Councilman Burt Thakur

Justin Mayor James Clark

Cat Parks

True Texas Project

Grassroots America: We The People

Texas Home School Coalition Association

Campaign websiteBumgarner's campaign website stated the following:PrioritiesParent's Voices Being HeardIn Texas, parents deserve a real say in what their children are learning. As a Republican, I believe education should reflect the values of our families, not the latest political trend. We need full transparency in school curriculum, and parents should have the right to know, review, and speak up about what’s being taught in the classroom. I’ll work to put local control back in the hands of our communities — not distant decision-makers — and make sure parents are respected partners in their child’s education.School ChoiceI believe every child deserves access to a great education, no matter their zip code. That’s why I strongly support school choice — including public charter schools. When families have real options, it creates a healthy competition that drives all schools to do better. Charter schools give parents another path to success, especially for kids who may not thrive in a traditional setting. As someone who has worked closely with students and teachers, I’ve seen how this kind of freedom encourages innovation and excellence in the classroom. When schools compete, our teachers are empowered, and our children are the ones who truly win.Teaching Curriculum not testsI’m all for accountability, but we’ve lost focus when it comes to how we measure it. Our kids shouldn’t spend the school year learning how to take a test; they should be learning real lessons that prepare them for life. The STAAR test has taken over too much of the classroom, and it’s holding back both students and teachers. We can keep high standards without turning schools into testing factories. It’s time to get back to teaching a full curriculum that challenges students and lets great teachers do what they do best.Core EducationSchool should be about teaching kids the basics — how to read, write, do math, and think for themselves. It shouldn’t be a place for political agendas. As a conservative, I believe in getting back to the core values that matter: respect, responsibility, hard work, and pride in our country. Our classrooms need less politics and more focus on giving students the tools they need to succeed in life. That’s how we build strong schools and a stronger Texas.— Mindy Bumgarner's campaign website (January 16, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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