Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 8 the reappointment of Gilbert “Gil” Burciaga, Marcella Burke, Brad Curlee, and David Eyler to the School Land Board for terms set to expire on August 29, 2027. The board is responsible for managing the acquisition, sale, and mineral leasing of lands that make up the Permanent School Fund, which contributes billions of dollars each year to public education in Texas.
The appointments are significant because the Permanent School Fund plays a major role in supporting Texas public schools through its financial contributions. The board’s management of these assets impacts resources available for students across the state.
Burciaga is co-founder and board member of ARM Energy LLC and has served on the School Land Board since September 2015. He also serves as a board member at TruCare Pregnancy Center in Austin and Adaptive Sports Center in Colorado. Burke is founder and managing partner at Burke Law Group PLLC with previous leadership roles at federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of the Interior. She also serves with several legal organizations and holds fellowships from constitutional law institutes.
Curlee recently retired as banking center president for Prosperity Bank and has been active with civic organizations like Rotary Club of Georgetown. Eyler owns Milagro Resources LP and has held leadership positions within geological associations as well as serving on boards related to nature conservation and petroleum history.
Greg Abbott holds the position of the 48th governor leading the Texas Governor’s office, according to the official website. The Office of the Texas Governor provides services statewide while making appointments to boards such as this one; it also promotes economic opportunity, education, public safety, cultural understanding, opportunities for women and people with disabilities through various commissions according to its official website.
The Governor’s Mansion—established in 1856—is both a historic Greek Revival structure serving as official residence since that time and stands among America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to information from state officials.
