AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Democrat Marisa Perez has won a spot on the State Board of Education representing parts of Central and South Texas.
Perez, who defeated social conservative Republican David Williams for the District 3 spot, got a surprise win in the primary when she defeated Democrat incumbent Michael Soto, an associate professor of English at Trinity University in San Antonio.
Perez started work as a governmental and community relations specialist in the San Antonio school district in September. She was formerly a social worker with Child Protective Services.
All 15 board spots are up for re-election following redistricting last year. The board's responsibilities include establishing the state's public school curriculum, approving textbooks and managing the state's permanent school fund.
