According to Channel 9, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation on Wednesday night on FOX News.
He said he will now serve as CEO of Teacher Freedom Alliance.
Since Walters resigned, Gov. Kevin Stitt will have to find someone to finish off the rest of the term.
In March of 2025, Rep Ellen Pogemiller submitted a letter to the Attorney General requesting a formal opinion after she said Walters used state resources to promote TFA.
This happened last in Oklahoma in 2021, when Attorney General Mike Hunter resigned and John O’Conner was appointed to replace him.
In a statement, Attorney General Drummond said:
“Ever since Gov. Stitt appointed Ryan Walters to serve as Secretary of Education, we have witnessed a stream of never-ending scandal and political drama. From the mishandling of pandemic relief funds that resulted in families buying Xboxes and refrigerators to the latest squabbling with board members over what was or wasn’t showing on TV, the Stitt-Walters era has been an embarrassment to our state.
“Even worse, test scores and reading proficiency are at historic lows.
“It’s time for a State Superintendent of Public Instruction who will actually focus on quality instruction in our public schools. Gov. Stitt used to say he would make us Top Ten, but after seven years we are ranked 50th in education. Our families, our students and our teachers deserve so much more.
Senate Democrats issued the following statements after Superintendent Ryan Waters announced he would resign from office in order to accept another job.
“It’s no surprise Ryan Walters has chosen his own personal ambitions over serving our students and teachers, like he always has. Republicans failed to hold him accountable to do his job and they should be embarrassed he’s left this office of his own accord. I am looking forward to working with the next state superintendent to return the focus to our students, teachers, and schools, where it should have been all along.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.
“With State Superintendent Walters’ resignation, Oklahoma has the chance to turn the page and come together around a shared vision for strong public schools. Our focus must be on investing in teachers, supporting families, and giving every child the tools they need to succeed.”– Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City.
“The departure of Ryan Walters is great news for Oklahoma students, families, and teachers. Now, we can focus our efforts on serving students and raising our national rankings from dead last.” – Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.
“Thank God.” – Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa.
