Former Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters officially stepped down from his position on Sept. 30. Walters first announced his resignation to the public on Sept. 24 during a live Fox News broadcast.
Walters’ resignation came after months of scandals, including allegations of pushing Christian ideology in Oklahoma schools, requiring the Bible to be in every classroom and being vocal against teachers’ unions.
As of Oct. 1, Walters started his new job as the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization whose mission is “to assist educators in their mission to develop free, moral and upright American citizens.” With this organization, Walters plans to carry out goals similar to those he had while in office, such as fighting against teachers’ unions and advocating for parental rights.
“While I am leaving this office today, I am not leaving the fight,” Walters said in his resignation letter. “The challenges before us remain significant, but the opportunities are even greater.”
Governor Kevin Stitt appointed the new State Superintendent, Lindel Fields, on Oct. 2. Fields is the former CEO and Superintendent of Tri-County Tech, a technology and career center serving Washington, Nowata and Osage counties, where he retired in 2021. He is also the founder and current CEO of Your Culture Coach, a consulting firm dedicated to changing the cultures of companies and encouraging leadership.
Fields’ main plan is to “calm the waters” and restore the public’s trust in the State Department of Education. He plans to improve communication and collaboration between districts and focus on improving literacy rates in the state.
“In the next 15 months, we can calm the waters, rebuild trust and lay a strong foundation for the future of Oklahoma schools,” Fields said at a press conference. “So today, I ask you for your patience, ask you for your grace. Together, we will steady the ship and make sure it’s pointed in the right direction for every student in our state.”
Fields was sworn in as State Superintendent on Oct. 7, and will serve that position for 15 months, the remainder of the term, and has no plans to seek reelection. He will be working alongside two newly appointed State Board Members, Brian Bobek and Wes Nofire, after two others stepped down alongside Walters.
Contact Noelia Ocampo Resendiz at [email protected]
