OKLAHOMA CITY – Two bills awaiting a House vote would dramatically change how Oklahoma selects its State Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education members.
Both measures, House Joint Resolution 1055 and House Bill 3327, were written by Rep. Mike Osburn, a Republican from Edmond.
In a media statement, Osburn said HJR 1055 would let voters decide whether the state superintendent of public instruction becomes an appointed position in 2034, while HB 3327 would add two members to the state Board of Education, appointed by the Speaker of the House and Senate Pro Tempore.
“Oklahoma has faced volatility at the State Department of Education and its board. Voters demand more stability and oversight,” Osburn said. “Legislative and gubernatorial appointments will better align the department and board with constitutional responsibilities.”
The bills follow the departure of former State Superintendent Ryan Walters, whose tenure was marked by controversy and lawsuits. He resigned in October 2025.
And while the Republicancontrolled Legislature did not impeach Walters, lawmakers did scrutinize and, in some ways, work to limit Walters’ power. Between 2004 and 2005, the Legislature passed several measures to cut the State Department of Education’s public relations budget, curb national media spending, issue subpoenas regarding questionable hirings and initiate investigations into mismanagement of funds.
Since then, legislators have filed measures to reverse some of Walters’ actions. Osburn said his goal is to restore public trust in the department.
“These measures will reinforce public trust in one of Oklahoma’s most critical agencies,” Osburn stated. “Best of all, we will let the people themselves decide whether the state superintendent remains an elected position or an appointed one.”
Osburn said HJR 1055 proposes a state question that, if approved by voters, would change the process for selecting the state superintendent. Under the proposal, the State Board of Education would gather applications, conduct interviews and produce a list of three to five candidates.
The governor would appoint the superintendent from this list, subject to Senate confirmation.
The resolution also sets the removal procedures: a twothirds vote of both chambers or a governor’s order plus a two-thirds vote of either chamber.
“Over the past three years, Oklahomans have witnessed the efficiencies, or lack thereof, of both elected and appointed state superintendents,” Osburn said. “I believe now is the perfect time to ask the people whether they’re satisfied with the current election process or if they want the position to be appointed.”
Osburn said the second measure, HB 3327, would expand who could name residents to the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Under the bill, the Speaker of the House and the Pro Tempore of the Senate would each appoint two members to the board.
The state superintendent would continue as board chair, and the governor would also appoint four members. The bill also specifies that members may be removed from office only for cause by the official who appointed them.
If both measures take effect, Osburn said, the governor would appoint a total of five of the nine seats on the Board, including the State Superintendent.
Both pieces of legislation are expected to be heard by the full House of Representatives soon. The Legislature has until May 29 to finish its work.