AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The head of the Texas Board of Education acknowledged Monday that she once quizzed potential curriculum experts on how conservative they were and also divided up the 15-member board based on the strength of their Christian beliefs.

Barbara Cargill is a former biology teacher and ultra-conservative who disputes the theory of evolution and has in the past voted to require that its “weaknesses” be taught in state classrooms. She was appointed chairwoman of the board by Gov. Rick Perry in 2011 when the Senate wasn’t session, but her recent reappointment must now be approved by the chamber.