Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Lindel Fields as the new State Superintendent, following the official resignation of Ryan Walters on Tuesday. The governor made the announcement Thursday afternoon at Eisenhower International School in Tulsa. It was reported earlier this week that Fields, who was a retired Career Tech administrator, would take over as Oklahoma state superintendent. Read more here.
Pro Tem Paxton Comments on Appointment of Lindel Fields as State Superintendent
Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, today applauded Governor Kevin Stitt’s appointment of Lindel Fields as Oklahoma’s next State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Fields retired in 2021 after a distinguished 30-year career as a CareerTech administrator, most recently serving as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville. Under his leadership, Tri County Tech expanded significantly and became a national model for excellence in career training. “Lindel Fields has dedicated his life to education, workforce development, and ensuring Oklahomans have the skills they need to succeed,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “His proven record of leadership and innovation in CareerTech will bring valuable experience and vision to the role of State Superintendent. I am confident he will serve our students, teachers and families with distinction. The Senate stands ready to work with the new state superintendent to get him up to speed quickly, while supporting him as he takes on this important responsibility. Education is the foundation of our state’s future, and I look forward to assisting him in any way I can to strengthen opportunities for Oklahoma students.”
House Speaker Comments on Changes at State Department of Education
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, today issued the following statement in response to changes announced regarding the State Department of Education: “Superintendent Fields will bring a wealth of administrative and education experience to the Department of Education and I look forward to working with him, Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin and their team as we seek to use data-driven research and measurable results to guide decision-making and strengthen education across our state for all students. We have much work to do, but I am confident with the momentum we have had in recent years with record investment in education, a focus on teacher retention and recruitment, ending virtual days and banning call phones, we will continue to make our education system better. Additionally, I continue to support as I always have the Governor’s push to make the State Superintendent of Public Instruction being an appointed position. Education is one of the most important issues we tackle at the state Capitol, and having a single point of accountability to the public is critical to making real change in any system. Representative Mike Osburn and I intend to file a resolution next legislative session asking the people of Oklahoma to consider this change. Students, teachers and families deserve accountability and a system that prioritizes results. Our kids deserve it.
Banning Applauds Fields as New State Superintendent
Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, today congratulated Lindel Fields on his appointment as Oklahoma’s new State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Gov. Kevin Stitt named Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator and executive leadership consultant from Tulsa, to serve out the remainder of Ryan Walters’ unexpired term. Fields brings more than 30 years of experience in education, including his tenure as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he helped lead the center to a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Banning said Fields’ track record as a steady, results-driven leader will serve Oklahoma schools well. “Lindel Fields is the kind of leader Oklahoma students, parents and teachers need right now,” Banning said. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him through leadership training seminars for my own executives, and I’ve seen firsthand the integrity and wisdom he brings to every room. He’s calm under pressure, clear in his vision and committed to bringing out the best in others.” Fields retired from CareerTech in 2021 and has since worked with schools, businesses and local governments across Oklahoma through his firm, Your Culture Coach. His leadership coaching has been credited with helping organizations improve performance and better serve their communities.
Sen. Mann comments on education announcement
Sen. Mark Mann issued a statement after Thursday’s announcement about the future of education in Oklahoma following the departure of former Superintendent Ryan Walters. “I would like to congratulate State Superintendent Lindel Fields on his appointment. We have an opportunity to transcend the chaos and harm that has taken place within the Department of Education undermining our schools, our professional educators, and failing to prioritize our children. The superintendent is a big part of that, but not the only factor. “We must ensure there are guardrails put in place to prevent such chaos from happening again. The governor, legislators, and the Department of Education must work together to transform public education in Oklahoma, empower our teachers, and ensure our children can succeed.”– Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma House Democrats respond to changes at State Department of Education
Members and former educators of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus responded on Thursday to changes announced to the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE).
“Today, Governor Stitt announced drastic changes to OSDE. I want to congratulate Superintendent Lindel Fields, and I look forward to meeting him and working with him on behalf of our students, teachers, and families. I also look forward to meeting and working with Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin. I am hopeful that these appointments will be an improvement to the last State Superintendent, but it is important to remember that the bar has not been set at a high level.
“The challenges our public education system faces have been longstanding before the previous superintendent and seriously need to be addressed by legislative leaders. We must set a higher standard for ourselves to come together to eliminate these challenges that can be solved by working together. Republicans have had the reins on state government in Oklahoma for nearly two decades and they have prioritized tax cuts for the wealthiest and investments in private school vouchers with public tax dollars. This has left public education in Oklahoma underfunded for several years. It is my hope that the new team at OSDE works to listen to teachers and experts on the best ways to improve public education for everyone–students, teachers, and families. I disagree with putting forth legislation to make the Superintendent of Public Education a governor-appointed position. If we want to see the changes needed to our public education system, it should be up to the public to choose, and up to the legislature to listen.” – House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City
“Whomever holds the job of State Superintendent must focus on two critical areas: stopping the teacher exodus and realigning the job to its true north–serving our kids, supporting our teachers, and reassuring families that the State Superintendent is there to help Oklahoma become, once again, one of the top states in the nation for student success.
“We have everything we need to get this job done. We just need the right person to blaze the path. I wish Mr. Fields every success, and look forward to helping him achieve it.” – House Assistant Democratic Leader Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa
“I’m glad the new superintendent showed respect for teachers and for civility. That’s a needed rebuke of Ryan Walters’ methods. There’s a lot to do. We don’t just have to right the ship, we have to rebuild it, and that will take a greater commitment to public education than we have seen from this administration so far.” – Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa
“While I am cautiously optimistic about Lindel Fields’ appointment today as interim superintendent, there is significant work ahead to address the harm caused by the previous administration while also meeting the challenges facing Oklahoma’s schools. Experience shows that strong public and legislative oversight remain essential. I also want to be clear: I will strongly oppose any effort to turn the superintendent into a governor-appointed position rather than one elected by the people. The Legislature’s past decision to put OSDE appointments into the governor’s hands is part of why we’re in this mess. Checks and balances can’t work when power is consolidated and oversight is removed. Oklahomans must stay engaged: attend school board meetings, communicate with legislators, and demand transparency to ensure this office serves students first, not politics.” – Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa
“My great hope is that once the mess left by Ryan Walters is cleaned up, Mr. Fields and the administration will think outside the box to solve actual problems, instead of doubling down on the failed education policies (over-testing, private school vouchers, profiting, and the vilifying of teachers) that got us here in the first place.” – Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, D-Norman
