Lawton, OK – Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters is pushing for a new measure that would make the role of school district superintendent an elected position. This proposal comes in response to a series of controversial incidents involving school leaders across the state, ranging from the refusal to remove books from school libraries to allegations of mishandled teacher firings and inappropriate school events.
Walters, who himself holds an elected office, argues that giving voters the power to elect their superintendents will ensure greater accountability and alignment with the public’s concerns. In recent years, multiple issues have raised public outcry in Oklahoma, leading to criticism of the way some school administrators have handled these situations.
One such issue occurred in 2021 when Walters threatened to lower the accreditation of Edmond, Oklahoma, schools over the refusal to remove two books—The Glass Castle and Kite Runner—from high school libraries. The move was in response to parents’ complaints about what they deemed “pornographic” content. Edmond’s school superintendent, however, stated that the district had a 1997 policy protecting its autonomy in such matters. Walters called the district’s inaction “subversion of accountability,” claiming it went against the will of the public.
In another case in Edmond, school officials found themselves under fire after a video surfaced of students licking each other’s toes during a fundraiser at Deer Creek High School. Despite this, the school issued a statement celebrating the success of the event, which raised over $150,000 for a local charity. Walters, however, called the incident “filth,” and even Texas Senator Ted Cruz weighed in, calling it “child abuse.”
More recently, Walters has been critical of school leaders who fail to take action in response to inappropriate behavior among staff. In one instance, former Muldrow Superintendent Leon Ashlock resigned after being arrested for driving drunk and crashing a school vehicle. Walters described the lack of disciplinary action in such cases as a failure to protect children and uphold community standards.
These controversies have led Walters to argue that the current system of appointed superintendents is insufficient. He claims that in Oklahoma, and other conservative states, voters have made it clear that they want public schools to reflect their values. However, he believes that superintendents, particularly those in larger districts, have often defied public expectations and ignored concerns about curriculum and staff behavior.
By making superintendents elected officials, Walters asserts that it will be easier to hold them accountable and ensure they prioritize the educational needs and moral values of the community. He believes this measure is a necessary step toward improving education outcomes in the state and safeguarding the interests of Oklahoma’s children.
This stance aligns with Walters’ broader push against what he perceives as “radical progressive policies” in public schools. Earlier this year, Walters spearheaded legislation that made Oklahoma the first state to fund the distribution of Bibles to public schools, which he argues helps to counteract what he describes as a “woke” curriculum. Walters has stated that the Bible serves not only as a religious text but as a historical document that helped shape the foundations of American government.
As the state continues to debate the future of education, Walters’ proposal to make superintendents elected officials has sparked conversations about local control, accountability, and the role of public education in shaping the values of future generations.
