House Bill 1491, backed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, proposes new rules for Oklahoma State Board of Education

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert has filed a bill amending legislation for the State Board of Education on Wednesday.

Speaker Hilbert filed House Bill 1491 with support from Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and Governor Kevin Stitt. HB 1491 would allow any member of the State Board of Education to place an item on the board agenda if requested in writing by at least two members of the board.

The release from the Oklahoma House said the item would then be placed on the agenda for the next meeting in accordance to the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act.

The topic can up at the last board meeting when newly-appointed members asked how they could add an item to the agenda and they were told all agenda items were decided by Superintendent Ryan Walters.

"We have volunteer boards and commissions that play an important oversight function for state agencies for a reason, and the duly-appointed members of the State Board of Education should have a say in the agenda before them. This has been a longstanding issue that needs to be fixed," said Speaker Hilbert, R-Bristow. "We have checks and balances on government intentionally built into our system and this legislation will help ensure the State Board of Education – no matter who is appointed or who is the chair – will be able to move the needle for Oklahoma kids."

Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada, originally authored the bill. It was heard and unanimously passed in the House Education Oversight Committee on Wednesday, and now heads to the House for approval.

STATEMENT FROM PRO TEM PAXTON:

"The State Board of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our schools, and its members should have a clear and fair process for addressing key issues,” Pro Tem Paxton, R-Tuttle, said. “This legislation ensures that every board member has a voice in setting the agenda, reinforcing transparency and accountability in our education system. With the current structure, the board is neutralized and has no say in shaping policy. Allowing this will provide a fair and more effective structure.”

STATEMENT FROM GOV. KEVIN STITT

“No one member should unilaterally control a board, especially one that directly impacts the outcomes of our students," said Gov. Kevin Stitt. "It’s time to give a voice on the Board of Education to parents and students all across Oklahoma. Thank you to Speaker Hilbert and Pro Tem Paxton for spearheading this important legislation.”

Statement from Attorney General Gentner Drummond:

“Gov. Stitt promoted and supported Superintendent Ryan Walters every step of the way, even standing by the superintendent when he gave 'blanket approval' for the misspending of our tax dollars. Now that his handpicked superintendent refuses to do his bidding, Gov. Stitt wants to change the law to give his appointees full control of the education agenda,” Drummond said. “First, Gov. Stitt gave us Ryan Walters, and now he wants to give us new appointees he says will be better. We can only hope. Meanwhile, our schoolchildren rank in the Top Ten for worst-performing test scores.

"I applaud our legislative leaders for doing what they can to clean up the mess that Gov. Stitt and Supt. Walters have made of our public education system. The Legislature has demonstrated time and again that it has the will and ability to do what is right for Oklahoma, even overriding Gov. Stitt's veto when necessary. I have full confidence they will do what they believe is best for Oklahoma students."