Oklahoma City, OK – Lawmakers in Oklahoma have introduced new legislation aimed at increasing the influence of State Board of Education members over the education agenda in the state. The proposed bill would allow board members to introduce items for discussion at monthly meetings, granting them more control over the direction of educational decisions that affect the state’s public schools.
House Speaker Kyler Hilbert (R-Bristow) is the driving force behind the amendment, arguing that since the State Board of Education oversees the use of taxpayer dollars and is responsible for shaping the educational experiences of Oklahoma students, its members should have a stronger say in what is discussed. “If we’re going to have a board overseeing how taxpayer dollars are being spent and the education of our kids, then the board members should be able to have some say on the agenda items,” Hilbert said.
Currently, the law grants the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, sole authority over what is placed on the agenda for board meetings. However, under the new proposal, two board members would be able to agree on an item to bring forward, and that issue would be added to the meeting’s agenda for discussion.
Rep. Ronny Johns (R-Ada) repurposed House Bill 1491 to allow board members to propose agenda items, and the measure has garnered support from both sides of the aisle. Many lawmakers see the bill as a way to ensure greater transparency and more direct influence for board members in the decision-making process.
The push for change comes after tensions arose within the board when new members, recently appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt, raised concerns over a controversial rule proposed by Walters that would count undocumented students and their families. At a recent press conference, Stitt emphasized the need for action, saying, “Do your job,” in response to questions about the proposal.
However, when the new board members attempted to discuss their concerns at a board meeting, they were stymied by the current structure, which leaves the superintendent in control of the agenda. Ryan Deatherage, one of the new members, voiced frustration at the situation, asking, “Why am I even here?” during the meeting.
The situation has led to calls for legislative intervention, with many lawmakers expressing a desire to shift the focus back to students rather than political battles. “This isn’t about Supt. Walters. This isn’t about Governor Stitt. I want to take the focus of everything that we’re doing and bring it back to the students,” said Speaker Hilbert.
In response to the proposed changes, Superintendent Walters dismissed the controversy, stating that he would not engage in what he called “kids in a schoolyard kickball game.” Instead, he emphasized his commitment to prioritizing the needs of Oklahoma’s parents and students over political disputes.
As the legislation moves forward, it could have significant implications for how the State Board of Education operates and how decisions are made regarding Oklahoma’s public schools. Lawmakers are expected to continue debating the issue in the coming weeks, with the focus remaining on whether board members should be granted greater power in shaping the state’s educational agenda.
