Oklahoma education leadership changes advance

Oklahoma education leadership changes pass House

Oklahoma education leadership changes are moving forward after the House approved two measures aimed at reshaping how the state oversees public education.

The proposals, authored by Rep. Mike Osburn, come after what lawmakers describe as recent instability within the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

One measure, HJR 1055, would ask voters to amend the Oklahoma Constitution so the State Superintendent of Public Instruction would be appointed instead of elected.

Oklahoma education leadership changes would reshape oversight

The Oklahoma education leadership changes would give the State Board of Education a larger role in selecting the superintendent.

Under the proposal, the board would submit three to five candidates to the governor, who would then make the appointment subject to Senate confirmation.

A second bill, HB 3327, would expand the State Board of Education from seven members to nine members.

Under that plan, the governor would appoint four members, while the House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore would each appoint two.

Oklahoma education leadership changes now head to Senate

Supporters say the Oklahoma education leadership changes are designed to create more stability and broader oversight in state education leadership.

The proposed constitutional amendment would not take effect until November 1, 2034, if it clears the Senate and is later approved by voters statewide.

The superintendent would still serve as board chair under the legislation.

Both measures now head to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration as lawmakers continue debating the future of education leadership in the state.

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