Reports of Potential Resignation Surface
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a polarizing figure known for his conservative education agenda, is reportedly considering resigning from his office. According to multiple sources, an announcement could come as early as this week, with speculation that he has another job lined up, possibly in the private sector. The potential departure adds another layer of uncertainty to the state’s education landscape, which has been the subject of national attention throughout Walters’ tenure.
Should Walters step down, Governor Kevin Stitt would be responsible for appointing a successor. Sources indicate that former state representative Mark McBride is a possible candidate for the position. When questioned, McBride stated he had not discussed the role with the governor but would likely accept it if offered.
A Push for Conservative Clubs in Every High School
The resignation rumors follow closely on the heels of Walters’ latest major initiative: a partnership with Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to establish a chapter of the conservative youth organization in every high school across Oklahoma. The plan, announced Tuesday, applies to public, private, and homeschool students and is intended to counter what Walters described as “liberal propaganda pushed by the radical left and the teachers unions.”
The initiative is an expansion of TPUSA’s “Club America” program. To form a chapter, students need only gather a group of three from the same school and complete a charter agreement. TPUSA will then provide resources, including:
- An “Activism Kit” containing handbooks, pocket Constitutions, and other materials.
- Support in gaining official recognition from their school.
- Assistance in securing a teacher sponsor.
- Connection with a dedicated field representative.
Walters framed the move as a way to honor the legacy of TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed. “Charlie Kirk inspired a generation to love America, to speak boldly, and to never shy away from debate,” Walters said in a statement. He has also threatened to review the accreditation of any school district that refuses to allow a chapter, stating that “Everything would be on the table in that scenario.”
Mixed Reactions from Educators
The plan has been met with concern from some Oklahoma educators. Nadine Gallagher, a middle school teacher and president of the Crooked Oak Association of Classroom Teachers, told reporters she supports student-initiated clubs but opposes politically motivated mandates. “I don’t like forced anything,” she said, adding, “We are 50th in public education and surely, surely there must be something else that we could be worrying about in Oklahoma.”
Similarly, John Croisant, a board member for Tulsa Public Schools, noted that while students are free to form their own clubs, his district would not be “pushing political organizations within our schools,” as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com.
A Controversial Tenure
Elected in November 2022, Walters’ time as superintendent has been marked by a series of contentious policies aimed at reshaping Oklahoma’s education system along conservative lines. His administration has frequently been a source of controversy, drawing both praise from supporters and sharp criticism from opponents.
Key actions during his tenure include:
- Mandating that the Bible be included in the curriculum of all public schools.
- Creating a special certification test for teachers moving from states like New York and California to screen for “radical leftist ideology.”
- Partnering with PragerU, a conservative media organization, to develop curriculum materials.
- Appointing prominent right-wing figures, including the founder of the anti-LGBTQ+ social media account Libs of TikTok, to state education committees.
- Investigating school districts that reportedly did not observe a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk.
These actions have reportedly strained his relationship with Governor Stitt, a former ally. Walters has also been noted for his increasing absence from State Board of Education meetings. As Oklahoma awaits official word on his future, the state’s education system remains at the center of a heated political debate.
