Tulsa Board of Education member Dr. Jerry Griffin recently announced he has formed an exploratory committee to consider running for state superintendent of public instruction.
The primary election is in June 2022, and the final election is on Nov. 8, 2022. Oklahoma Ethics Commission rules allow Griffin to conduct exploratory activities, such as polling and spending up to $25,000.
“If at the end of the committee’s activities there is a decision to run, we have established a spending goal of one million dollars,” Griffin said in a news release. “If we run, we will win without a doubt.”
Griffin said he thinks public schools in America and Oklahoma have reached a crossroads.
“Do we choose the path where students and families are the focus, where learning that prepares our children for success in a career or college is the emphasis, or do we choose the path that divides our children into different political ideologies? The cultural battle for the hearts and minds of our children is taking place now, and I believe Oklahomans can and should be leaders in framing the conversation and not allow the ideas of East Coast elites and the radical left to rule the day.”
Griffin said public schools in America and Oklahoma are no longer working, and he called for developing a modern education system that will serve the needs of Oklahoma’s children.
“Parents need choices that are family-centered,” he said. “We must rebuild public schools by providing incentives for increased student learning and demanding accountability for schools when they are failing.”
Griffin plans to tour the state and meet with voters to talk about their ideas for improving public schools. He added that he will decide whether to seek the superintendent's office when his campaign attracts enough voter support and generates $500,000 in pledges.