Republican Legislators Seek Investigation Into State Superintendent Ryan Walters

Covering The Capitol reporter Haley Weger confirms that there is support from Republican lawmakers for an investigation into State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Sources confirmed to Weger that Republican lawmakers are circulating a letter calling for an investigation into Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

This comes a day after three House members released a statement about Walters and his comments toward Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller after a disagreement over delayed Title I allocations. In late July, Miller said that Bixby Public Schools had not yet received Title I allocations or even preliminary figures with which the district could adjust its budget. Miller tweeted his concerns and questioned when his district would receive the initial allocation.

Days later at the Oklahoma State Board of Education's monthly meeting, Walters responded to the statements by Miller, calling him a "liar" and a "clown."

"He's a liar. He's really a true embarrassment. He knows every year when he gets Title I funds in, we're dealing with all kinds of financial problems with his district that we're having to address right now, so Rob's a clown and a liar, and he knows that," said Walters.

Reps. Josh West, R-Grove, Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Chris Banning, R-Bixby, reacted to the statements by Walters saying that they do not reflect good leadership.

"As former military leaders, we know the qualities that define good leadership: Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Just as important are the lessons on how not to lead.

"Over the past four years, we've witnessed Ryan Walters' often questionable leadership and tactics. In the past two weeks, he has violated the Open Meetings Act, denied legislators access to executive sessions, deprived districts of rolled-over money meant for school safety, and now is putting children's lives at risk by withholding appropriated funds for emergency asthma inhalers.

"After Walters chose to name-call Bixby Superintendent Rob Miller, a former Marine who faithfully served the Constitution and protected our rights, we decided we couldn't sit back any longer. Though we do not speak for others, we cannot stand by while a respected leader and veteran is insulted and demeaned for simply doing his job. Walters' behavior is unbecoming of any leader, especially the highest-ranking person in the Oklahoma public school system.

"Our time in the military taught us to listen to those serving on the front lines. That same principle applies here. School superintendents like Miller provide valuable insights into local issues, and yet Walters refuses to listen to those around him or take responsibility for his missteps.

"As elected officials, paid with taxpayer dollars and entrusted with the future of our state, we must hold ourselves accountable to Oklahomans and have the integrity to admit when we are wrong. We had hoped Walters would eventually grow into his role, but after two years of problematic leadership tactics, our patience is wearing thin."

Charles McCall, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives released a statement to members of the Caucus in response:

"Members,

 I have seen the letter signed by 17 republicans which is being circulated to request an investigation into the State Superintendent. Please know that I am not aware of nor have I received any communication from the Senate requesting that we take it up or agreeing to go along with any such action.

 Additionally, many of the areas requested to be investigated as articulated by the letter are best addressed in the Committee hearings which are conducted by the Legislature presession when we ask the agency to account for the dollars appropriated and the agency’s plan going forward.

 Regarding the possible criminal violation, the Legislature does not conduct criminal investigations. Criminal investigations are under the exclusive purview of the Executive Branch, more specifically the Attorney General. If there has been a violation of the Open Meetings Act then the Attorney General is charged to investigate. From the documentation attached to the request, it appears that the Attorney General is aware of the potential violation. Investigations by the Legislature are limited to the use of appropriated dollars and internal discipline, unless the AG finds a criminal violation did occur, and the State Superintendent is charged and convicted with a crime. In that case, the House would likely have something to consider. 

I take elections very seriously, and anyone who was duly elected by the people of this state should not be removed from that office, given to them by the people, unless absolutely required by the constitution. Unless and until 51 or more Republicans sign the letter and request the investigative committee be formed, I will not consider the request."

State Superintendent Ryan Walters responded as well on Tuesday with this statement:

"I am confident in the work that the State Department of Education is doing on behalf of Oklahoma students and families. We are working to undo years of political activism and indoctrination in our public schools and it’s no surprise that those pleased with the status quo enforced by teacher union control of the classroom are threatened and upset by our reforms. Just as they have against President Trump, liberal Republicans have joined the far-left Democrats to try to thwart the will of Oklahoma voters. Their calls are baseless and have no merit. They reek of political desperation from those who are failing in their misguided attempts to stop the positive education reforms that parents and voters have demanded from their elected leaders."

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Bixby Public Schools Issues Statement After State Superintendent Walters Comments On Finances