The Oklahoma State Board of Education is holding its monthly meeting today, just one day after State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation. The meeting, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, follows Walters' public statement that he will be leaving his post to lead a new national organization for teachers.
Walters revealed his plans on Wednesday, September 24, during an appearance on Fox News. He will become the leader of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization presented as an alternative to traditional teachers' unions. This development sets a unique context for today's board meeting, where members will convene for the first time since the announcement.
Key Takeaways
- The Oklahoma State Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on September 25.
- The meeting occurs one day after State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation.
- Walters will lead the new Teacher Freedom Alliance, an alternative to traditional teacher unions.
- The new organization is affiliated with the Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank focused on labor union policies.
- Walters has had a history of public disagreements with some members of the state board.
State Board Convenes Amid Leadership Change
The Oklahoma State Board of Education's agenda for its September 25 meeting will proceed as planned, but the session is now overshadowed by the impending departure of the state's top education official. The timing of the announcement, less than 24 hours before the public meeting, has created significant interest in the board's proceedings.
Typically, these meetings address routine matters of state education policy, school accreditation, and budget approvals. However, today's session will likely carry a different tone as board members and the public process the leadership transition. The board is expected to discuss the process for appointing an interim superintendent and the timeline for finding a permanent replacement.
Roles in Oklahoma Education Governance
In Oklahoma, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is an elected official who serves as the head of the State Department of Education and chairs the State Board of Education. The board itself is composed of members appointed by the governor, who are responsible for setting policies and standards for public schools across the state.
Walters to Lead New National Teacher Group
In his announcement, Ryan Walters confirmed his new role as the head of the Teacher Freedom Alliance. He described the organization's mission as providing a professional alternative for educators who do not wish to be part of traditional unions.
"I will lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a new professional organization that touts itself as ‘an alternative to union membership’ for teachers," Walters stated during an interview with Fox News host Trace Gallagher on Wednesday.
This move marks a significant career shift for Walters, taking him from a state-level administrative role to a national advocacy position. The Teacher Freedom Alliance aims to attract educators by focusing on professional development and support without the political activities often associated with major unions.
About the Freedom Foundation
The Teacher Freedom Alliance operates as part of the Freedom Foundation. According to public records and its own materials, the Freedom Foundation is a conservative and libertarian think tank that has been active for decades. Its primary focus is on policies related to labor unions, particularly in the public sector.
The organization is known for its efforts to inform public employees, including teachers, of their rights to opt out of union membership and dues, following the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Janus v. AFSCME. Critics describe the organization as an anti-labor union group, while supporters view it as a champion of individual worker freedom.
Public Sector Union Membership
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 32.5% of public-sector workers were union members in 2023. For education, training, and library occupations, the union membership rate was 32.8%, among the highest of any profession.
A History of Conflict with the Board
Superintendent Walters' tenure has been marked by several high-profile disagreements with members of the State Board of Education. These clashes have often played out in public meetings, covering a range of topics from school accreditation standards to the handling of specific district-level issues.
These past tensions could influence the dynamics of today's meeting. Board members may address the need for stability and a collaborative path forward during the transition period. The focus will likely be on ensuring the continuity of operations for Oklahoma's public schools while the search for a new superintendent begins.
Potential Agenda Items and Unspoken Issues
While the official agenda was set before the resignation announcement, several topics are likely to be on the minds of those in attendance. These may include:
- Succession Plan: The immediate steps for appointing an interim leader for the Department of Education.
- Policy Continuity: Assurances that key education initiatives will continue without interruption.
- Board Cohesion: A potential call for unity and a smooth transition from remaining board members.
- Public Comment: The public comment section of the meeting could feature remarks from educators, parents, and community members about the recent news.
The meeting offers the first opportunity for the board to publicly address the leadership change and outline its plans for moving forward. The proceedings will be closely watched by education stakeholders across Oklahoma and the nation.