Governor Stitt shakes up Oklahoma State Board of Education, draws Walters' ire

There's trouble in paradise, as they say. Gov. Stitt's latest education move has, to put it mildly, upset longtime ally State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters' typical, hyperbolic reaction is included underneath.

Governor Stitt Shakes Up Oklahoma State Board of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 11, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt named three new members to the Oklahoma State Board of Education (OSBE). The move comes after ongoing controversy at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and disappointing scores on the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

“Nothing is more important than ensuring Oklahoma kids have the best education possible,” said Gov. Stitt. “After months of headlines followed by disappointing NAEP scores this month, it’s clear that our education infrastructure has fallen prey to needless political drama. If we want to be the best state for business, we need to make sure our kids have a path to success. It’s time for some fresh eyes and a renewed focus on our top ten goals.”

Governor Stitt is proud to nominate the following individuals to the Oklahoma State Board of Education:

• Ryan Deathredge – Kingfisher
• Michael Tinney – Norman
• Chris VanDenhende – Tulsa

Sarah Lepak and Zach Archer will continue to serve in their roles on the board. Governor Stitt thanks each member of the board for their service to their state. Members of the Oklahoma Board of Education are subject to Senate approval.

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Now for State Superintendent Walters' reaction:

Governor Stitt has joined the swampy political establishment that President Trump is fighting against. The board members that stood with us, working with the Trump Administration to make our schools safer and better, have been fired for political purposes. Every Oklahoman should…

— Superintendent Ryan Walters (@RyanWaltersSupt) February 11, 2025

"Governor Stitt has joined the swampy political establishment that President Trump is fighting against. The board members that stood with us, working with the Trump Administration to make our schools safer and better, have been fired for political purposes. Every Oklahoman should be clear this move undermines Oklahoma kids and parents and an America First agenda. Stitt believes that the federal government, and not the people, need to continue to control our country.  This is disappointing but not surprising.  We’ll keep fighting for school choice, parents, kids, and our teachers."

This is the first time that I can remember Stitt and Walters having any significant variance. Of note (though perhaps unrelated?), Dan Isett, Walters' press secretary, left the department yesterday for reasons not yet made public.