Oklahoma Education Board Seeks Third Attorney Amid Ongoing Internal Disputes

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma State Board of Education is embarking on the search for its third attorney in just two years, following ongoing disagreements between current counsel Chad Kutmas of a Tulsa law firm and newly appointed board members.

What Sparked the Turnover at the Oklahoma Education Board

Officials say Kutmas has repeatedly aligned with State Superintendent Ryan Walters' policy positions instead of offering independent legal advice to the board as a collective entity.

“Our board needs legal counsel that supports a unified governance process—not an agenda that prioritizes a single official,”said Board Member Chris Vandehende.

Process for Finding a Replacement

Board leadership has reached out to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office to assist with vetting candidates. The transition raises concerns about governance consistency as the board navigates contentious education reforms.

Statewide Implications

Education policy analysts warn that frequent attorney changes may disrupt legal continuity on critical issues such as school funding, curriculum challenges, and disciplinary rule changes.

The board hopes to have new counsel onboard by early fall so that legal support remains uninterrupted as it tackles the 2025–26 school year.