Most Texans haven’t heard of him, but Don McLeroy sits in a powerful post.  As chair of the state board of education, he chooses textbooks and sets curriculum.

But McLeroy is also shrouded in controversy.  Critics say he’s injected his religious ideology into education policy. 

McLeroy went before the senate nominations panel Wednesday to defend his job.

“The only reason I got involved in education is because I see all children created in God’s image,” said McLeroy. 

McLeroy has defied the legislature, and educators, with his decisions.  He has also earned national attention for leading the charge to question evolution in Texas classrooms.

“We don't accept evolution,” he said.  “But the board's always been split on whether the Earth is old or young. So there's an old Earth view, and a young Earth view.”

As a result, lawmakers are considering a flurry of bills to strip the entire board of its power.