Gail Lowe Gov. Rick Perry on Friday named Gail Lowe, co-publisher of the Lampasas Dispatch Record, to succeed Dr. Don McLeroy of College Station as chairman of the Texas State Board of Education. The 15- member board and the education commissioner oversee the state's public school system.

Mrs. Lowe's term as chairman will expire Feb. 1, 2011.

"Gail has shown exemplary leadership and commitment to the education of young Texans through her work on the State Board of Education for the past seven years, as a classroom volunteer assisting elementary school students with math and reading, and as a member of the Lampasas school district," Perry said in his announcement.

"I am confident that through her leadership, we will continue to ensure that Texans receive the educational foundation necessary to be successful in college, the workplace and beyond," said the governor.

Mrs. Lowe was elected to the State Board of Education in 2002, and re-elected in 2004 and 2008. Her district extends to the Oklahoma border and encompasses 26 counties in North and Central Texas.

She previously served a term on the Lampasas Independent School District Board of Trustees and has been a longtime classroom volunteer in the district.

"I am honored by the appointment," said Mrs. Lowe. "I don't necessarily enjoy being in the limelight, but I look forward to continuing the work with my colleagues as we seek to improve the academic environment of our public schools."

The three-term Republican was named vice chairman of the State Board of Education's Committee on Planning in 2005, and in 2007 served as chairman of the Committee on School Initiatives. She currently is a member of the Permanent School Fund Committee.

She and her husband, Jim, are active members of New Covenant Church, where Mrs. Lowe serves on the financial review board.

Up until two years ago, Mrs. Lowe volunteered as a classroom mentor at Hanna Springs Intermediate School and previously at Kline Whitis Elementary to assist children with their reading and math skills.

"With my family, work and State Board of Education-related responsibilities, I don't have the time I once did to work individually with students and teachers," Mrs. Lowe said, "but I remain committed to pursuing policies that provide a solid education to meet the needs of the students of our state."