LJ Francis Champions Education Reform in Texas as New Voucher Program Launches

The Texas education landscape is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of a new voucher program, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott. This initiative empowers parents to determine how their tax dollars are allocated for their children’s education, marking a pivotal shift in the state’s approach to education funding. While Governor Abbott spearheads this legislative effort, it is the dedicated members of the Texas State Board of Education who are instrumental in implementing these reforms at the district level.

One key figure in this educational transformation is LJ Francis, the District 2 Representative for the Texas State Board of Education. A staunch advocate for conservative values, Francis brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served in various educational capacities for over 35 years. His unique journey began in Jamaica, where he was raised in a household that prioritized education. Francis’ mother, a public school teacher, instilled in him an early appreciation for learning, starting his formal education at just two years old.

After moving to the United States, Francis attended a private Christian school and later graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering. His diverse educational background includes teaching dual enrollment calculus-based physics at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The values of hard work and accountability, taught to him by his father and grandfather, have also shaped his approach to education and governance.

Currently representing the Corpus Christi region, which includes the counties of Aransas, Calhoun, Cameron, Hidalgo, Nueces, and Willacy, Francis has made a significant impact since his election in 2022. His primary goal is to position Texas as a leader in education across all metrics. He emphasizes the importance of high-quality instructional materials and robust teacher support, working closely with Governor Abbott to achieve these objectives.

Francis’ commitment to transparency and local empowerment has been evident throughout his tenure. Before his election to the board, he collaborated with the Texas State Aquarium in 2017 on a project funded by a $100,000 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This initiative aimed to inspire students’ curiosity about the natural world through hands-on environmental activities, showcasing his dedication to innovative educational practices.

During his time on the board, Francis has secured $100 million in insurance relief aimed at alleviating rising property insurance premiums for schools in his district. This funding is crucial for schools striving to allocate resources effectively. His legislative achievements include supporting House Bill 1605, which focuses on enhancing early childhood literacy, and overhauling the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) review process to ensure transparency and rigor in education.

Additionally, Francis has championed initiatives in Career and Technical Education, advocating for improved instruction in personal finance and career readiness while promoting the use of OSHA safety guidelines in classrooms. His proactive approach involves regular engagement with the districts he represents, fostering collaboration to enhance educational outcomes.

Looking ahead, Francis is not resting on his laurels. He is currently working with the board to adopt a comprehensive vocabulary list and a selection of literary works for all grades from K-12. This initiative aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for their future endeavors, reinforcing his commitment to educational excellence.

Francis encourages constituents to actively participate in this ongoing dialogue about education, emphasizing that collaboration is essential to shaping a bright future for Texas students. As the state embarks on this new chapter in education reform, leaders like LJ Francis are pivotal in driving progress and ensuring that the interests of students and their families are prioritized.