Governor Kevin Stitt announced on Tuesday that he has replaced three of his appointees to the Oklahoma State Board of Education, citing a need for fresh eyes and a renewed focus on academic results. The shakeup comes after ongoing controversy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and disappointing scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), where Oklahoma ranked in the bottom 10 nationwide in reading and math.
Stitt criticized the board for allowing unnecessary political drama to overshadow the goal of improving education in the state. The three ousted board members are Donald Burdick, Kendra Wesson, and Katie Quebedeaux, and they will be replaced by Ryan Deatherage, Michael Tinney, and Chris VanDenhende.
State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who leads the board, fired back at the governor’s decision, accusing him of undermining Oklahoma kids and parents. Walters and Stitt have had a contentious relationship, with Walters expressing disappointment in Stitt’s support for federal control over education.
The board has recently approved controversial proposals, including budget requests for Bibles in schools and requiring citizenship checks for students. The new appointees will need state Senate confirmation.
The events mark a significant shift in dynamics between the governor and the board, with Stitt previously appointing Burdick, Wesson, and Quebedeaux in early 2023. The remaining board members, Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer, will maintain their seats.
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