LOCAL
Anna Colletto, Tulsa Flyer
Ryan Walters resigned two days after a controversial announcement around Turning Point USA. Photo: Lionel Ramos/KOSU.
Some Tulsa-area school leaders and parents say they want a more collaborative, less political leader for Oklahoma schools after Ryan Walters steps down as state superintendent.
On Fox News Wednesday night, Walters announced his resignation to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance as CEO. He will assume the role Oct. 1, according to TFA, which is a national, conservative nonprofit aimed at supporting teachers as an alternative to teachers unions.
“Sadly, Walters has always chosen himself over our students and teachers. Tragically, he has not been held accountable,” said Shawna Mott-Wright, president of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. “It’s a good day in Oklahoma.”
Walters has directed substantial criticism toward teachers unions throughout his nearly three-year term and vowed to “destroy” them in his new role at TFA.
“My response is just laughter,” Mott-Wright said. “It is a group effort. We are one team … when you pit people against each other and are nothing but divisive for your own personal gain, who loses the most? Our children.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt is now responsible for appointing a replacement to serve until the end of Walters’ term in January 2027. Four candidates have declared so far for the 2026 superintendent race.
TCTA looks forward to working with his replacement, Mott-Wright said, and wants to see someone who can put “service before themselves” and work together with educators.
Tulsa-area school districts are also looking for a focus on students from the next superintendent. Statements from Jenks, Broken Arrow and Owasso Public Schools Thursday all emphasized the desire to partner and collaborate with Stitt’s appointee.
“Our hope is that this individual will be dedicated to the more than 700,000 students and families who choose public education each day, while also focused on building strong relationships with parents and school districts across Oklahoma,” said Jordan Korphage, spokesman for Owasso Public Schools. “It is essential that the appointee bring forward real solutions to address the challenges facing education in our state.”
Union Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools declined to comment on the announcement, but TPS Board Vice President Calvin Moniz said he’s also looking for a leader who prioritizes collaboration. Early in his tenure, Walters targeted TPS’ accreditation and repeatedly threatened state takeover due to conflicts over a board member’s religious prayer.
“My hope is that the governor selects someone who is not looking ahead to a political campaign in 2026, but instead is fully focused on getting the State Department of Education in order,” he said. “Oklahoma’s educators, families and students deserve a leader who works with school districts, not against them.”
TPS board member Stacey Woolley said it’s “evident” that “parents, teachers, taxpayers and even students are pleased with the departure of Mr. Walters.”
The governor’s appointment must lead with kindness and compassion, Woolley said, “and determination to rebuild bridges that have been burned by their predecessor if we are to see our future have a chance at success.”
Moms for Liberty Oklahoma, a conservative parent advocacy group, said it wants Stitt’s appointment to “strengthen — not weaken — parental involvement” in schools.
“We appreciate the steps Ryan Walters took to challenge the status quo and recognize parents as key voices in education,” M4L’s statement reads. “His departure, however, raises concern that Oklahoma may slip back into business as usual.”
Walters’ announcement came as a surprise to many, even his own state board of education members. He did not address the news at Thursday’s board meeting in Oklahoma City and refused to speak with the media after it concluded.
“We knew when you knew,” said state board member Becky Carson, who previously accused Walters of displaying nude images of women on his office TV during a board meeting. “I believe the superintendent’s resignation opens the door for us to now make progress on this board, and do what’s best for the children of this state.”
Carson and board member Mike Tinney did not share who they hope the governor will appoint to lead them.
State Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, sat in the board meeting Thursday, and said she was disappointed by Walters’ lack of response.
“Today felt very much like a performance for him,” McCane said. “My district, my students, my families deserve a superintendent, not somebody who’s performing, not a grifter.”
McCane said Walters stepping down is “the best thing that he has done for Oklahoma students, by far.”
Anna Colletto is the education reporter for the Tulsa Flyer. You can reach her at anna@tulsaflyer.org.
