Former Colleyville principal James Whitfield drops out of State Board of Education race

The former Colleyville Heritage High School principal whose departure came amid controversy over critical race theory announced a campaign for the State Board of Education earlier this month. He’s now out of the race. James Whitfield has decided not to run for public office. He filed as a Democrat in the District 11 race, in an attempt to unseat Republican Pat Hardy, who represents parts of Tarrant, Parker and Dallas counties. The State Board of Education is a 15-member elected board that helps shape what students learn through curriculum and instructional materials.

The board has often been swept up in hot-button political debates and is dominated by Republican elected officials. “While I may not be running for this seat, I remain committed to advocating for educators and being a champion for ALL students to receive a high-quality, equitable education, no matter their zip code, race, or any other factor - I’ll just be doing it in a different capacity,” Whitfield said in a statement to The Dallas Morning News. He captured national attention after he raised alarm over attempts to push him out of his job in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. A former trustee candidate had claimed the principal wanted to introduce critical race theory into the curriculum. Whitfield denied the trustee’s claims. In November, the school district’s board unanimously approved a separation agreement that ended Whitfield’s contract. Republican candidates for the District 11 seat include incumbent Hardy, Rebecca Garcia and Joshua Tarbay. Luis Miguel Sifuentes filed as a Democratic candidate. “DC” Caldwell filed as a candidate in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. The primary election will take place on March 1.