Oklahoma Governor Transforms State Board of Education: What This Means for Students and Communities

Is it political theater or real change in Oklahoma public education?

That’s the big question after Governor Kevin Stitt recently shook up the Oklahoma State Board of Education. On February 11, he removed three board members and nominated new ones. This move has stirred up plenty of talk.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters is making headlines for his controversial views on education. He has been involved in 18 lawsuits about his approach, which some argue mixes politics with education.

Walters, who was appointed by Stitt, expressed his frustration on social media. He accused the governor of turning against him and criticized the changes. He claimed this move harms Oklahoma families and goes against a promise to prioritize local control over education.

“Governor Stitt has joined the swampy political establishment that President Trump is fighting against.”

Despite Trump’s calls to reduce the U.S. Department of Education’s influence, Walters stands out for his extreme policies. He has mandated that every classroom must have Christian Bibles, leading to legal challenges.

However, not everyone believes Stitt’s actions are genuine. An X user, known as Okie Rancher, argued that this is just a performance intended to help Walters in a future campaign for governor. The new board members are seen as supporters of Walters, indicating this move was more about politics than actual reform.

Stitt, term-limited as governor, will leave office after the 2026 elections. Oklahoma remains solidly Republican, and Walters is rumored to be a possible candidate.

Stitt cited “ongoing controversy” in the education department and disappointing test scores as reasons for the board changes. The members he removed were Kendra Wesson, Katie Quebedeaux, and Donald Burdick. They were replaced by Ryan Deatherage, Michael Tinney, and Chris VanDenhende.

The board currently has seven members, including the state superintendent, who serves as chair. There remains one vacancy after a senator rejected one of Stitt’s nominees. The remaining members are Sarah Lepak and Zachary Archer.

Oklahoma consistently ranks low on education scorecards. Walters has proposed various religiously themed solutions, but they have yet to show real improvement in the state’s educational performance.

Interestingly, since Walters took office, he has never faced a dissenting vote from board members, which has drawn the attention of state legislators. While Stitt initially supported Walters, their relationship has become rocky.

One notable moment occurred during Stitt’s State of the State address when he praised a local superintendent for promoting cellphone-free schools. Walters remained silent as that superintendent received applause, highlighting their growing rift.