New State educatioN SuperiNteNdeNt workiNg to get SyStem Back oN track
For the first time in more than two years, Oklahomans are getting the chance to catch their breath.
Instead of another controversy or whirlwind of turmoil from the state Department of Education, the state’s new school superintendent is taking a thoughtful, commonsense approach to education issues.
On Oct. 2, just hours after former Superintendent Ryan Walters resigned, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of a new school chief: Lindel Fields of Tulsa.
“It’s a new day for Oklahoma students,” the governor said in a statement announcing the appointment. “I want us to be top ten in everything we do, and we need a top ten education system to achieve that. Lindel will give the agency a fresh start and get it back to its mission of producing top tier students. I’m excited to appoint my first superintendent of public instruction, and I know great things are ahead.”
So far, the governor’s appointment has been spot on.
During his first state school board meeting, Fields went out of his way to talk to the press and let those in attendance at the meeting know he was serious about his work in the education system.
A former CareerTech superintendent, Fields has, since early October, shown the state he cares. The governor should be proud of Fields, and Oklahomans should be proud of both men.
Because the previous two years were a nightmare.
Under Walters, the state’s common education system was the site for political warfare. His policies - from terminating teachers he didn’t like, to claims of pornography in school libraries or the goal of putting Trump-endorsed Bibles in classrooms - weren’t about education but instead about pure right-wing politics.
For example, Walters’ Bible plan wasn’t about providing quality materials for students, but instead about endearing himself with President Trump in hopes for a future post in Washington, D.C.
It didn’t work.
In August, when U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Oklahoma, she didn’t meet with Walters. Instead, she toured the Dove Science Academy with Governor Stitt and later visited the Vanguard Academy in Tulsa with Congressman Kevin Hern. Granted, part of McMahon’s visit focused on school choice, literacy and testing, but during that visit, Walters was nowhere to be found.
And while the Trump administration said little about Walters not being included, the impact of Walters’ absence was obvious. Walters wasn’t seen as an education leader but, instead, a political brat.
Today, we don’t have to deal with that issue.
So far, Fields has focused on getting the education system back on track. A budget has been proposed and bad policies are being eliminated.
“I am endlessly grateful to Governor Stitt for his trust,” Fields said when he was appointed. “As his first appointed superintendent of public instruction, I look forward to implementing his vision for the education of Oklahoma students. We are going to turn this department around and equip our students with the skills they need to make Oklahoma the best state it can be.”
Oklahomans should be grateful to Fields for his desire to do the right thing. In addition, we should also be thankful for the governor who chose the right man at the right time.
M. Scott Carter is an award-winning political and investigative reporter covering federal and state government and politics in Oklahoma.