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The position of State Superintendent of Education was previously marked with criticism surrounding former superintendent Ryan Walters. The vacant spot left behind following his resignation allowed Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to appoint Lindel Fields as a temporary superintendent.
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Three candidates running to be the state's next State Superintendent of Public Instruction shared their thoughts on some of the ideas the former attempted to implement.
The two Republican candidates running said they agreed with some of Walters' ideas, but both believe his way of going about things was flawed.
James Taylor said he believes Walters wanted to protect kids, which he also wants to do if elected.
"Ryan Walters was trying to protect our children," he said. "I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to protect children."
Taylor said Walters was deceptive at times, which he does not agree with.
"I think his methodology was flawed. I think his methodology was flawed. I think his personality got in the way," said Taylor. "For me, I intend to be as direct as possible, without any deception."
Robert Franklin said the only idea he agreed with was that Walters said that teachers are important.
"Yeah, I believe teachers are important, I think Ryan Walters made it complicated by calling them names, and calling people who support teachers names," said Franklin. "I don't think that was necessary."
Franklin said Walters was charismatic, which made people listen to him.
"I would celebrate that people did listen to him," said Franklin, "I just don't like the message that he was delivering."
Democratic candidate, Jennettie Marshall, said that she was opposed to Walters' ideas, but she still took the time to have discussions with him while she was on the school board.
"I took the opportunity as an elected school board member to call and have discussions with, Mr. Walters," she said, "I made some recommendations."
Marshall believes that many of the changes Walters tried to make to Oklahoma education were unnecessary.
"Some of the things he was trying to implement were distractions," she said. "It was taking away from education.
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Franklin and Taylor will advance to an August runoff election for the Republican nomination for State Superintendent. Whoever wins will face Marshal in November's general election.
Who is Ryan Walters
Ryan Walters was Oklahoma's previous State Superintendent. His office was often marked by criticisms, including his attempt to make Bibles a required learning tool in classrooms.
Walters stepped down in Sept. 2025 to join the anti-union organization, The Teacher Freedom Alliance.
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