OKLAHOMA CITY — Governor Kevin Stitt made some big changes to the Oklahoma State Board of Education on Tuesday. He replaced three members, saying they were more focused on “needless political drama” than improving academic outcomes.
This shakeup comes after ongoing issues at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and disappointing scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Recent NAEP results showed Oklahoma ranking in the bottom 10 for reading and math, with no significant improvements in the past two years.
“After months of headlines followed by disappointing NAEP scores, it’s clear that our education system is caught in political distractions,” Stitt said. “To be a top state for business, we must ensure our children have a clear path to success. It’s time for a fresh perspective focused on our main goals.”
Stitt removed Donald Burdick, Kendra Wesson, and Katie Quebedeaux from the board and announced their replacements: Ryan Deatherage from Kingfisher, Michael Tinney from Norman, and Chris VanDenhende from Tulsa. These new appointees will need confirmation from the state Senate.
Board members Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer will remain, while one seat has been vacant since May 2023. State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who has the board’s support, leads the group. The board has consistently backed Walters since he took office in January 2023.
In recent months, the board approved Walters’ proposal for a $3 million budget request for Bibles and new rules requiring schools to verify students’ citizenship status. While Stitt has mostly refrained from criticizing Walters directly, this appointment change signals a shift in their relationship.
Stitt appointed Burdick, Wesson, and Quebedeaux earlier this year. Lepak and Archer have been on the board since early and late 2022, respectively, but neither was present during the approval of the controversial rule proposals in January.
Deatherage serves as the 911 director for Kingfisher County, Tinney is an attorney, and VanDenhende is the CEO of Mint Turbines.
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