State Rep. Mark McBride On Letter Calling To Investigate Ryan Walters

At least 24 Republican State Lawmakers have signed a letter authored by State Rep. Mark McBride calling for an investigation into State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Walters' own party seems to be joining in, as Democrats have been calling for an investigation into the superintendent for months.

Rep. McBride joined News 9 at 9 to talk about the intent of the letter and what comes next.

McBride said that the call for an investigation, which has been in the making for more than a year, has become more urgent in the last few months due to recent behavior.

He said Walters's motive is not centered around the schools, which he said is his main concern.

"I want a superintendent of public instruction to be at the office and making it better for our kids and teachers in the state of Oklahoma," McBride said. "I don't think we need a superintendent that's traveling around the states, Fox News and different things."

McBride said while some of Walters' actions may not be cause for impeachment, his behavior needs to be looked into at least.

"I think an impeachment of any kind is terrible in government, but I do want an investigation into, and if there is a legitimate cause, he needs to be removed or straightened up," McBride said.

McBride mentioned alleged misuse of school security funds, problems with fulfilling open records requests, and other behavior that concerns him.

"There's a huge laundry list. I've got a stack in my office that tall of stuff that I've been collecting since he took office," McBride said.

Speaker Charles McCall said the letter needs 51 signatures for an investigation to be considered.

While McBride said he does not know if they will reach that, he thinks it has already raised awareness.

"I am expecting more. I think the number will be between 30 and 40 by the time it's all done," McBride said. "Even at 24, that's a huge number."

He thinks that, combined with Democratic support, could spark some sort of change.

When asked if there were political motivations behind the investigation, McBride said he thinks they played a part, as different political figures and potential gubernatorial candidates are involved.

"I think this would be handled differently if there wasn't a potential candidate for a governor's race," McBride said.

He said he thinks that, ultimately, this investigation is being called to benefit the students and teachers of Oklahoma.

"The most important thing is our kids and our teachers, I don't think that's getting addressed personally," McBride said.

He said he thinks there are big problems like literacy that are being ignored and overshadowed by Walters' policies.

"Third and fourth graders can't read; what's the use of putting the Bible in school? You got to teach these kids how to read first," McBride said.

As the potential for investigation unfolds, the debate over Walters' leadership and the broader implications for Oklahoma's education system remain at the forefront of state politics.