Ryan Walters uses Education Department to further his own political career
There's something wrong when state officials treat the rules like suggestions — and even worse when the Legislature lets it happen.
Take the recent social studies standards. I'm not here to argue the content — that's another debate. But they were not properly presented to the Oklahoma State Board of Education before being voted on. Whether that was a mistake or intentional, it undermines the process and casts doubt on the validity of the outcome.
That matters. Process matters. Transparency matters.
But this isn't a one-time error. It's part of a pattern.
We've seen state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters hand out taxpayer-funded bonuses, hire out-of-state political operatives and turn the Oklahoma State Department of Education into a staging ground for his next campaign. These aren't the actions of a leader focused on students — they're the moves of someone chasing national political ambitions on the public's dime.
Oklahomans aren't willing to sit idly by while the superintendent rides off into the sunset chasing his political dreams at the expense of Oklahoma taxpayers.
And yet, the Legislature continues to let it happen.
The governor has raised concerns. The attorney general has spoken up. The people of Oklahoma are paying attention. But from the body with the clearest authority to provide oversight — radio silence.
Opinion: Where is education going in Oklahoma? Nowhere, just like hall of fame portraits
As Will Rogers said, 'If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.'
Well, we're in a hole. And the longer the Legislature waits, the deeper it gets.
Opinion: Youngest students in Oklahoma schools need qualified teachers — not beginners
This isn't about party or politics. It's about responsibility. It's about honoring the trust Oklahomans put in their elected officials to safeguard our institutions and protect our tax dollars.
It's time to act — not later, not next session, but now.
Because we're watching. And we're waiting.
Mark McBride, R-Moore, served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2012–2024 and was chairman of Education Appropriations from 2018–2024.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Okla. schools chief Ryan Walters puts politics over process | Opinion
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