Three members of the State Department of Education governing board, Donald Burdick, Katie Quebedeaux, and Kendra Wesson, have been removed by Governor Stitt due to Oklahoma’s low national test scores and ongoing controversy within the education system. The remaining board members, Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer, have been absent from recent meetings but have pushed back on some of State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ initiatives. This move by Stitt may indicate a strain in the relationship between the governor and Walters, as Stitt publicly praised a different school superintendent who is currently in a legal battle with Walters. Walters criticized Stitt’s decision on social media, calling it a political move that undermines education in Oklahoma.
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt supported Stitt’s decision, stating that the state superintendent and his board have prioritized politics over the well-being of Oklahoma’s children. Stitt has nominated three individuals, Ryan Deatherage, Michael Tinney, and Chris VanDenhende, to fill the vacant seats on the board, pending approval from the Senate.
The StateImpact Oklahoma program, a collaboration of public radio stations in Oklahoma, relies on contributions from readers and listeners for its public service mission. The removal of the board members and the nomination of new candidates by Stitt reflect ongoing tensions within the education system in Oklahoma and the need for accountability and improvement.
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