Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is calling for a major overhaul in how public school superintendents are selected, proposing that communities elect superintendents directly rather than relying on school board appointments. Walters argues this change will boost parental influence and weaken what he describes as the hold of “left-wing, woke bureaucrats” on public education.
“Every state should follow Oklahoma’s lead,” Walters told the Washington Examiner. “President Donald Trump has a mandate, and this aligns with his education agenda. It’s about ensuring parents, grandparents, and taxpayers have a direct say in who runs their schools, ending the era of rogue administrators ignoring community values.”
Walters plans to work with Oklahoma legislators when they convene in February to introduce bills reflecting this proposal. While he did not name specific lawmakers involved, he confirmed that active discussions are underway.
This initiative is the latest in a series of high-profile reforms led by Walters, who has drawn national attention for mandating Bible instruction and encouraging classroom prayer in public schools. These actions have sparked legal battles, with Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond asserting Walters has overstepped his authority.
Citing examples of administrative misconduct, Walters claims the current appointment system lacks accountability. He pointed to incidents like administrators refusing to remove explicit materials from libraries, mishandling COVID-19 mask mandates, and cases of personal misconduct. One such case involved Leon Ashlock, a former superintendent, who resigned after being arrested for crashing a school vehicle while intoxicated.
Criticism of Walters’s proposal came swiftly, even from within his own party. Republican Rep. Mike Osburn called the idea “clickbait” and a distraction from addressing low student performance. “None of this will lift us from dead last in ACT scores,” Osburn told The Oklahoman. Democratic lawmakers echoed these concerns, warning the move would further politicize education. Rep. Jacob Rosecrants argued, “This will further politicize our public schools, which desperately need de-politicizing.”
Others questioned the practicality of the plan, fearing it could lead to unqualified superintendents. Rep. Danny Sterling, a Republican and former principal, insisted the current system ensures capable hires and called Walters’s proposal a solution “to a problem that doesn’t exist.”
Walters remains undeterred, asserting that communities are best positioned to choose their leaders. “I trust the community. The community is going to find good leaders,” he said, referencing Governor Kevin Stitt’s transition from business to politics.
Despite the opposition, Walters is confident his plan will succeed, framing it as a necessary step to return power to parents. “We expect these bills to move and pass, bringing the power back to parents where it belongs.”
This proposal positions Oklahoma at the center of the national debate over education reform, reflecting broader conservative efforts to reshape public school governance.
