TULSA, Okla. — State Superintendent Ryan Walters is stepping down as OK State Superintendent, per an interview with Fox News late Sept. 24.
Walters said he is going to be the CEO of Teacher Freedom Alliance.
Rumors started on Tuesday that Walters planned to resign from his position as State Superintendent of Education. Sources brought it to 2 News Oklahoma, so we started doing some digging.
WATCH: 2 News Oklahoma looks into claims about State Superintendent:
Since Walters is stepping down, Gov. Stitt appoints someone to that position.
We reached out to Walters, but haven't heard back yet. We also reached out to Gov. Stitt's office, who did get back to us before the announcement:
"Walters hasn’t resigned nor talked to the governor about resigning; there are no plans to appoint anyone to a seat that is currently occupied."
Voters elected Walters to this position in Nov. 2022. His term ends Jan. 2027.
During his time in office, he's faced several lawsuits, public arguments with school leaders, and issues with members of the school board.
Governor Kevin Stitt shared this statement:
“I wish Ryan and his family the best in this next chapter. Oklahoma students remain my top priority, and with my first appointment to this role, I will be seeking a leader who is fully focused on the job Oklahomans expect: delivering real outcomes and driving a turnaround in our education system.”
Attorney General Gentner Drummond sent this statement after the announcement:
Ever since Gov. Stitt appointed Ryan Walters to serve as Secretary of Education, we have witnessed a stream of never-ending scandal and political drama. From the mishandling of pandemic relief funds that resulted in families buying Xboxes and refrigerators to the latest squabbling with board members over what was or wasn’t showing on TV, the Stitt-Walters era has been an embarrassment to our state.
Even worse, test scores and reading proficiency are at historic lows.
It’s time for a State Superintendent of Public Instruction who will actually focus on quality instruction in our public schools. Gov. Stitt used to say he would make us Top Ten, but after seven years we are ranked 50th in education. Our families, our students and our teachers deserve so much more.
Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kurt shared this statement:
It’s no surprise Ryan Walters has chosen his own personal ambitions over serving our students and teachers, like he always has. Republicans failed to hold him accountable to do his job and they should be embarrassed he’s left this office of his own accord. I am looking forward to working with the next state superintendent to return the focus to our students, teachers, and schools, where it should have been all along.
Senator Jo Anna Dossett also said:
Thank God
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