Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma has announced a significant shakeup of the State Board of Education, appointing three new members in response to what he describes as unnecessary political drama within the education infrastructure. The new appointees – Ryan Deathredge, Michael Tinney, and Chris VanDenhende – will need approval from the Oklahoma Senate.
Stitt stated that the state’s focus should be on providing the best education possible for Oklahoma children, especially in light of recent low national assessment scores. The governor emphasized the need for a renewed focus on the state’s top ten education goals rather than political controversies.
The governor’s decision comes after months of controversy surrounding State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Department of Education. Walters faced criticism for requesting funds for bibles in classrooms and engaging in political media endeavors. The shakeup is seen as a positive step by Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, who believes that the board’s focus on politics over the needs of Oklahoma’s children needed to be addressed.
Despite the change in board members, current members Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer will continue to serve. The move is seen as an effort to improve accountability and refocus the board’s attention on providing quality education for Oklahoma students.
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