We are hearing from lawmakers on the state and federal levels about Walters’ resignation. Oklahoma Republicans are wishing Ryan Walters well in his new role, but state Democrats are saying good riddance.
Related: Supt. Ryan Walters announces resignation
Why Walters is Resigning
Walters is stepping down to lead a national organization called the Teacher Freedom Alliance. He spoke at the group’s summit last year and calls it an alternative to “woke teachers’ unions.”
“If we don’t get the teachers’ unions out of the way, we’re never going to be able to enact the great policies we know can empower great teaching,” Walters said at the time.
Related: What is the Teacher Freedom Alliance? How is Ryan Walters involved?
Reaction from Republicans
Lawmakers are weighing in on State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ decision to resign. U.S. Senator James Lankford says he hasn’t spoken to Walters about his decision yet.
“My understanding is he did contact the governor ahead of time, gave him a little heads up,” said Lankford. “Governor will have a chance to appoint someone to that position. Oklahomans will be able to speak out.”
Reaction from Democrats
Meanwhile, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair John Waldron says he’s glad to see Walters go.
“Under his watch, we’ve fallen to 50th in education. I’ve watched Superintendent Walters use his office as a bully pulpit for his own personal ambition,” said Waldron.
Moms for Liberty weighs in
Not everyone feels that way.
In a statement, the group Moms for Liberty Oklahoma says, “We appreciate the steps Ryan Walters took to challenge the status quo and recognize parents as key voices in education.”
Reaction from teachers’ unions
Shawna Mott Wright is the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association. She says Walters’ decision comes as no surprise.
“It is ironic that he’s now leading a group of teachers that’s grassroots,” said Mott Wright.
Although she is happy to see Walters go, she says she’s waiting to see who is appointed to replace him.
What’s next
Gov. Kevin Stitt will be the person in charge of appointing that replacement. State superintendent candidates have to be at least 31 years old and registered to vote in Oklahoma for at least 10 years. No word on when that will happen, but Walters is set to begin his new role on October 1.
The State Department of Education has also not said when Walters will officially step down as state superintendent.
Related: Some OSDE Board Members caught off guard by Walters’ resignation