‘Why am I here:' New Board of Education members spar with Superintendent Walters over agenda process, immigration policy

The State Board of Education met for the first time with the governor's three new picks for the board on Thursday. Tensions were high, not only with debate from parents but also from the board's new members. 

Concerns over immigration policy for Oklahoma schools

The board's discussion related to a previous board rule change to collect student immigration data. Gov. Kevin Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond have said the board should act independently from State Superintendent Ryan Walters. Walters began Thursday’s board meeting with a statement.  

“Last week President Trump issued an executive order aiming at ending taxpayer-subsidized illegal immigration,” said Walters, at the beginning of Thursday’s board meeting. “We stand with President Trump.” 

Last month, Walters and the board passed controversial rules to allow them to gather student immigration data. However, Thursday’s meeting took a different turn after board member Chris Van Denhende spoke up just minutes into Walters’ opening remarks. Van Denhende made a request. 

“Can I ask a question on that topic?” asked Van Denhende, who was concerned about immigration policy within the board. “I would respectfully request that until we get all of this sorted out with the [Attorney General], that we suspend all activity related to immigration.” 

Gov. Stitt wanted "fresh eyes" on the State Board of Education

Earlier this month, Stitt replaced three board members and appointed Van Denhende, Michael Tinney, and Ryan Deatherage in their places. On Thursday, the new board members asked board attorney Chad Kutmas how to officially bring their concerns to the table. 

RELATED: 'Don't think the relationship's good at all:' Gov. Stitt, Supt. Walters clash over Oklahoma State Board of Education shake-up

New board members were confused about OSBE meeting procedures

“How does the board get something on the agenda that we want to talk about?” Tinney asked. 

Kutmas said Walters is the chairman of the board and sets the agenda. 

“Is there a law that says that?” Tinney asked. 

Concerns over the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act

Kutmas said they couldn’t discuss anything that wasn’t on Thursday’s agenda citing the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act.

“Why am I here?” asked Deatherage, frustrated at the lack of clarity on board proceedings. 

Kutmas told the members they could discuss these issues outside of Thursday’s meeting. 

“I want to be really careful that what we do fits within the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act,” Kutmas said. 

Van Denhende wanted to understand his role, but he said they would work together to find common ground. 

“We’ll try to get it figured out.” Van Denhende said. “Let’s not get too excited about anything and just work through this stuff and think about kids while we’re doing it.” 

The board passed new social media standards

Kutmas said board members can request agenda additions before meetings. The board also passed new Bible-related social studies standards - those will go to lawmakers for consideration.

RELATED: Oklahoma Board of Education Approves New Science and Social Studies Standards, Emphasizing Tribal Sovereignty and Civics