Oklahoma's new State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lindel Fields, has initiated a series of significant changes within the state's education department, signaling a departure from the policies of his predecessor, Ryan Walters. In his first days, Fields has already removed a key Walters appointee and launched a comprehensive review of all contracts and initiatives from the previous administration.
The changes come as educators and state lawmakers express a strong desire for stability and a return to fundamental educational duties, moving away from the frequent controversies that marked the former superintendent's term. Governor Kevin Stitt has voiced his support for the transition, indicating that more personnel changes are expected as the department's operations are assessed.
Key Takeaways
- Lindel Fields has replaced Ryan Walters as Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
- Kendra Wesson, a Walters appointee, was removed as chair of the state textbook committee, with Fields assuming the role himself.
- Matt Langston, a top advisor to the previous superintendent, is no longer with the education department.
- Fields' administration is conducting a full review of all contracts and controversial initiatives, including the PragerU partnership.
- State leaders and educators are calling for a period of stability and a focus on core educational functions.
Immediate Staffing and Committee Changes
One of the first decisive actions taken by Superintendent Fields was the removal of Kendra Wesson from her position as chair of the Oklahoma State Textbook Committee. Fields announced he would personally take over the responsibilities of the chair. Walters had appointed Wesson to the committee after Governor Kevin Stitt had previously removed her from the State School Board.
This move was followed by confirmation that Matt Langston, a Texas-based chief advisor to Ryan Walters, would not be continuing with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). Governor Stitt confirmed Langston's departure, stating he "is no longer at the agency."
A Call for Stability
The transition in leadership has been met with calls for a less turbulent period for Oklahoma's education system. Many officials and teachers hope the department can operate without being a constant source of news headlines.
State Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, a Republican from Tuttle, articulated this sentiment clearly. He stated that the best outcome for the department would be for it to focus on its work away from the public spotlight.
"What would be a great thing for the Department of Education is that it just doesn’t make the news every day, that they’re just doing the job, doing the work," Paxton said.
This desire for normalcy is shared by educators on the front lines. Jami Cole, an Oklahoma teacher, expressed a simple hope for the new leadership: "We just want normal. We don’t want headlines."
Systematic Review of Predecessor's Initiatives
Superintendent Fields has pledged to conduct a thorough evaluation of all policies, mandates, and contracts established during the Walters era. This comprehensive review is intended to determine the value and effectiveness of each initiative for Oklahoma's students.
State Senator Mary Boren, a Democrat from Norman, suggested that the new superintendent will need to quickly distinguish between staff dedicated to improving schools and those appointed for political reasons.
Key Policies Under Scrutiny
The review will encompass several high-profile and controversial programs implemented under the previous administration. These include:
- The curriculum partnership with PragerU, a conservative digital media organization.
- A mandate concerning the teaching of the Bible in public schools.
- The composition and purpose of the library book review committee, to which Walters appointed social media influencer Chaya Raichik of 'Libs of TikTok'.
Fields affirmed his commitment to this process, emphasizing a focus on student benefit.
"We will assess all of the contracts to look at their value, what value they’re bringing to the students of Oklahoma," Fields announced.
Lack of Transparency Cited
Governor Stitt highlighted the challenges facing the new administration, noting a significant lack of transparency from the previous leadership. "We’ve had no transparency," Stitt said. "We don’t know exactly what’s happening inside the agency." This has necessitated a careful and detailed assessment of the department's current state.
Governor Stitt Anticipates Further Changes
Governor Stitt has prepared the public for an ongoing transition period at the OSDE. He stated that further personnel shifts are likely as the new leadership team evaluates the department's structure and staff.
"There’s going to be some turnover. There are going to be people that are moving on, and then there are going to be some new faces in that organization," Stitt explained on Thursday. This suggests a deliberate effort to reshape the agency to align with the new superintendent's goals of stability and effectiveness.
The governor's office has assembled a team to assist Fields in examining every aspect of the department's operations, from vendor contracts to internal procedures. The aim is to gain a clear understanding of the agency's condition after a period marked by what Stitt described as opacity.
Looking Ahead: First State School Board Meeting
The Oklahoma State School Board is scheduled to hold a special-called meeting in the upcoming week. This will be the first meeting presided over by Superintendent Fields, offering an early glimpse into his leadership style and immediate priorities.
The agenda for this meeting has not yet been finalized but is expected to address some of the pressing transitional issues facing the department. It will be a key event for educators, parents, and lawmakers eager to see the new direction of Oklahoma's public education system.
As Superintendent Fields continues to meet with OSDE staff and outline his vision, many in the state are watching closely, hopeful for a new chapter focused on supporting students and schools without the distraction of political battles.