Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor, state Superintendent of Public Instruction and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joy Hofmeister and 16 members of the Legislature exchanged barbs on Wednesday about school restrooms. At issue is a years-old — and until recently noncontroversial — Stillwater Public Schools policy concerning transgender bathroom use. The matter was first raised by Oklahoma…Read More
A crowded Republican ticket and a lone Democrat are vying to become Oklahoma’s top education official in a race already steeped in cultural debate. All five candidates aim to succeed Joy Hofmeister as state superintendent of public instruction. Hofmeister, a Democratic candidate for governor, is term limited after eight years at the head of the…Read More
Governor Kevin Stitt signed the most transformative education reform legislation in Oklahoma history into law today in a ceremony in the Blue Room at the Capitol. House Bill 2078 and Senate Bill 783 allow for students to attend public schools that best meet their needs and modernize the funding formula to match enrollment counts more…Read More
Oklahoma lawmakers debated and passed a bill Tuesday that would allow students to transfer between any school district year-round. The bill has been a work in progress for some time, with supporters arguing it gives parents the freedom to choose what school they think is best for their child. Opponents claim it does nothing to…Read More
This past year Oklahoma’s teachers and parents faced what some might have believed was an insurmountable challenge. I am in awe of the resiliency of Oklahoma’s teachers, students and families. Creating a future where Oklahoma is a national leader in education is my goal as a parent, teacher, nonprofit leader and as the State Secretary…Read More
A public school teacher and organization director is Gov. Kevin Stitt’s pick for his next secretary of education. The governor tapped Ryan Walters, CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, for the cabinet position, which requires confirmation from the state Senate. The 2016 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year finalist taught for eight years in his hometown…Read More