The new Oklahoma State Board of Education addressed a significant backlog of unresolved issues on Thursday, including several high-profile teacher license revocation cases initiated under former State Superintendent Ryan Walters. In its first major session, the board, led by new Superintendent Lindel Fields, voted to dismiss cases against some teachers while allowing another to proceed, signaling a shift in approach and a commitment to transparency.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma's new State Board of Education is processing a backlog of cases left from the previous administration.
- The board voted to dismiss license revocation proceedings against teachers Regan Killackey and Alison Scot.
- A request to dismiss the license revocation case for former principal Cody Barlow was denied, and the process will continue.
- New leadership has emphasized a commitment to increased transparency and addressing unresolved school accreditation and personnel matters.
New Board Signals Shift in Operations
The meeting began with Superintendent Lindel Fields acknowledging the extensive agenda. "Be patient with us, we have several motions to make," Fields stated, setting a tone for a methodical approach to the inherited workload.
The new administration is actively working to change the operational environment. Tara Thompson, the interim Communications Director for the Department of Education, highlighted this new direction. "We want to be very open. We did remove some of the barriers in here. We just want to signal that we are going to be transparent and answer questions," Thompson explained.
Understanding the Board's Role
The Oklahoma State Board of Education is responsible for setting policies and standards for public schools. A key function is overseeing professional standards for educators, which includes the authority to grant, suspend, or revoke teaching licenses based on conduct and qualifications. Decisions made by the board directly impact the careers of educators and the administration of school districts across the state.
Decisions on Controversial Teacher Cases
A primary focus of the meeting was the status of several teachers whose licenses were under threat of revocation. The board took decisive action on cases that had drawn public attention during the previous administration.
Cases Against Killackey and Scot Dismissed
The board voted to dismiss the case for revocation of Regan Killackey's teaching license. Killackey, an Edmond teacher, faced scrutiny over an Instagram post from five years prior that showed him with a pirate sword at a Halloween store while his child wore a Trump mask.
Similarly, the board dismissed the revocation case against teacher Alison Scot. Her case stemmed from a comment she made on a social media post related to an assassination attempt on President Trump. Both cases were seen by critics as politically motivated, and the board's decision to dismiss them marks a significant reversal.
Case Outcomes at a Glance
- Regan Killackey: Revocation case dismissed.
- Alison Scot: Revocation case dismissed.
- Cody Barlow: Request for dismissal denied; revocation process continues.
Former Principal's Revocation Case Moves Forward
Not all requests for dismissal were approved. The board considered the case of Cody Barlow, a former principal at Wewoka Middle School. Barlow was arrested in October 2022 following accusations that he assaulted a student.
While Barlow was ultimately found not guilty on six criminal charges related to the incident, the board voted to deny his request to dismiss the license revocation application. This decision means that the process to determine the status of his professional license will continue, separate from the criminal court's verdict.
The distinction between a criminal acquittal and a professional standards review is crucial. Licensing boards often operate under different evidentiary standards than criminal courts, focusing on professional conduct and fitness to teach rather than criminal guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Addressing a Substantial Backlog
The cases addressed Thursday represent only a fraction of the work facing the new board. Former Superintendent Ryan Walters left behind numerous pending items, including unresolved issues related to school accreditation and other personnel matters.
"There’s catching up to do on just about everything right now," said Tara Thompson, interim Department of Education Communications Director.
Thompson indicated that the volume of work may require additional meetings to manage effectively. She confirmed that a special meeting could be scheduled soon to continue addressing the backlog and ensure the state's education system operates smoothly.
The board's actions suggest a deliberate effort to resolve lingering uncertainties that affect educators and schools. As they continue their work, stakeholders across Oklahoma's education community will be watching closely to see how the new leadership shapes policy and procedure moving forward.
