This comes two days after Gov. Greg Abbott voiced his most explicit support yet of a new school choice policy at a Parent Empowerment Night event in Corpus Christi.

The Educative Teacher Performance Assessment was designed to better prepare new teachers, but faced pushback from people who thought it would create barriers for people of color to enter the profession.

At least three members of the State Board of Education tested positive for COVID-19 after meeting in person for four days in November, according to multiple board members. Two other board members also tested positive, board chair Keven Ellis told The Texas Tribune. Support staff for the board sent emails to members last Monday and Tuesday telling them the two members had tested positive. Three board members confirmed the contents of the emails to the Tribune. Maynard said his wife, a real estate appraiser, tested positive Monday, and that he has not had symptoms.