Oklahoma’s education sector has been thrown into the spotlight after State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation, triggering a wave of reactions from state officials, educators, local businesses, and the broader public. The abrupt nature of Walters’ departure, coupled with his controversial tenure and the uncertainty surrounding his official resignation process, has left many wondering what’s next for the state’s schools and leadership.
On September 24, 2025, Walters took to social media to declare he was stepping down from his role as State Superintendent and would soon assume the position of CEO at the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit organization launched earlier in March under The Freedom Foundation. The group, which claims over 3,000 members, positions itself as an alternative to traditional teachers’ unions, advocating for educators’ First Amendment rights and what it calls freedom from the “liberal, woke agenda.” Walters himself was clear about his mission, stating publicly that his plan is to “destroy the teachers unions” and empower teachers to teach successive generations of what he described as “free, moral, and upright American citizens,” according to News 4.
Yet, despite the public announcement, Walters had not submitted an official resignation letter as of September 26, 2025—a crucial step required by Oklahoma law to make his resignation effective. According to News 9, Walters’ resignation will only become official once he submits a signed letter to the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s Office. Until then, Governor Kevin Stitt cannot appoint a successor, adding a layer of confusion and administrative limbo to the situation. This delay has drawn criticism from political analysts and lawmakers alike, with some describing the unfolding events as “almost tragic comedy.”
Governor Stitt, meanwhile, wasted no time in addressing the future of Oklahoma’s education system, making clear his priorities in the wake of Walters’ exit. “Oklahoma students remain my top priority, and with my first appointment to this role, I will be seeking a leader who is fully focused on the job Oklahomans expect: delivering real outcomes and driving a turnaround in our education system,” Stitt said in an official statement released by his office. The governor’s remarks have sparked conversations about the kind of leadership Oklahoma schools need as they grapple with persistent challenges around funding, teacher pay, and student performance.
The situation is further complicated by ongoing ethical questions surrounding Walters’ relationship with the Teacher Freedom Alliance. Earlier in 2025, Oklahoma Representative Ellen Pogemiller filed an ethics complaint, raising concerns about Walters’ use of state resources to promote the Alliance over other teachers’ unions. The Oklahoma Ethics Commission ultimately decided not to pursue an investigation at the time, noting that the Alliance’s nonprofit status and the absence of direct personal gain for Walters placed his actions within the bounds of state ethics rules. However, after Walters announced he would be joining the Alliance as CEO, Pogemiller renewed her calls for scrutiny, arguing, “Hey, he can still be held accountable if we can show that he had private gain through using his state position.” Legal experts, such as attorney A.J. Ferate, have pointed out that any investigation would be hampered by Walters’ imminent departure and the commission’s limited authority once he leaves office.
Amidst the leadership turmoil, Walters submitted a $4 billion budget request for the Oklahoma State Department of Education on September 26, 2025—just days after his resignation announcement. The proposal, which is about $21.1 million higher than the previous year’s allocation, includes a $23 million increase for the flexible benefits allowance that covers health insurance for teachers. Walters attributed this rise to increasing insurance premiums, noting, “Last year, to give you that context, the flexible benefit allowance increase was upwards of $80 million.” At the same time, the proposal suggests a $2.58 million cut to public school activities, including funding for Imagine Math and Imagine Reading programs, which Walters argued were not utilized by all districts.
However, three newly appointed members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education—Mike Tinney, Melissa Crabtree Carson, and Drew Vandehende—requested more time to review the proposal, expressing concerns about the lack of detailed information and the board’s unfamiliarity with such a large budget. “That’s $4 billion. That’s the first time we’ve looked at anything like that. We would really want to be careful,” Tinney said. Vandehende echoed the need for more data, pointing out that the board had not yet reviewed past performance or current spending. As a result, the board voted to delay approval, effectively pushing the decision past the October 1 deadline required by state law. Budget negotiations are expected to continue into 2026, with the final state budget not anticipated until May.
Walters’ resignation has also reverberated outside the corridors of government. In Oklahoma City, several local businesses marked the occasion by hosting celebration parties aimed at supporting teachers and public schools. The 51st Street Speakeasy saw between 100 and 150 attendees, with proceeds directed to the Oklahoma City Public Schools foundation via the “Donors Choose” platform. “We’re going down the list and we’re going to fulfill as many projects as we can until we run out of money,” organizer Kellen McGugan told The Oklahoman. Other businesses, including OKC Cider Co. and Rocco on Western, joined in, with McGugan noting, “It’s pretty interesting that it’s a very bipartisan sentiment. Democrats and Republicans both agree that [Walters] is a waste of time.” He emphasized that the events were less about disparaging Walters and more about fostering community involvement in education.
The celebrations reflect a broader sense of relief and hope for change among many in the community. Walters’ tenure was marked by staunch opposition to critical race theory, LGBTQ students’ rights, and teachers’ unions, positions that earned him both vocal supporters and detractors. His move to the Teacher Freedom Alliance cements his alignment with anti-union and conservative education reform efforts, but it also leaves Oklahoma at a crossroads.
As the state awaits Walters’ official resignation and Governor Stitt’s appointment of a new superintendent, questions remain about the direction of Oklahoma’s education system. Will the next leader bridge the divides and address the pressing needs of teachers and students? The coming weeks—and the next Ethics Commission meeting on October 9—promise to shape the narrative for years to come.
