OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – The Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT) will investigate the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s spending following recent criticism of State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ conduct.
Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, announced Thursday that LOFT, which he presides over as chairman, will probe concerns over how OSDE has used state money.
“In my capacity as Chairman, I intend to have LOFT investigate funding disbursement concerns raised by both citizens and legislators in regard to funds earmarked to OSDE for specific purposes,” Wallace said. “This isn’t about Superintendent Walters; this is about the transparency of a State Agency and getting answers for our constituents. When the Legislature approves funding for a specific purpose, it is incumbent on the agency to which those funds are allocated to spend them properly and in a timely manner. If there are issues with disbursements being made, that information should be communicated to the Legislature well before schools are incumbered. I look forward to using the processes and procedures available within LOFT to address the concerns that have been raised with OSDE funding, and will conduct a thorough, transparent investigation to provide answers to my fellow legislators and the citizens of Oklahoma.”
Oklahoma House of Representatives Speaker Charles McCall approved the investigation.
“LOFT is designed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly by state agencies, making them the ideal entity to examine any concerns related to spending at OSDE,” McCall said. “This investigation by LOFT allows us to address these concerns efficiently without the need for a costly special legislative session. I trust that Chairman Wallace, and LOFT, will conduct a comprehensive review that will provide clarity on the issues at OSDE and offer solutions to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed appropriately. I fully support this process. Additionally, my office will be sharing all relevant information with Attorney General Gentner Drummond regarding any potential violations of the Open Records or Open Meeting Acts by OSDE. We are committed to transparency, and the findings from this investigation will be made available to the public.”
OSDE is headed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
Rep. Josh West, R-Grove, Rep. Ty Burns, R-Pawnee, and Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, issued a joint statement on Monday criticizing Walters for making disparaging comments about Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller following a disagreement over delayed Title I allocations.
Miller tweeted his concerns after Bixby Public Schools experienced delays in receiving Title I funding, and also questioned when Bixby schools would receive the initial allocation. Walters retorted days later, calling Miller a “clown” and a “liar.”
Walters shared the following KOCO clip on his X, formerly known as Twitter, page in which he addressed concerns that school security funds had been taken away:
It was reported on Thursday that Miller is suing Walters for defamation.
West, Burns and Banning’s joint statement is as follows:
“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.”
Rep. Cyndi Munson, who serves as the House’s Democratic leader, stated her longstanding concern over Walter’s conduct on Tuesday.
“I’m glad members of the Republican Supermajority are joining our calls for action against State Superintendent Ryan Walters,” Munson said. “House Democrats have made five public attempts to investigate the State Superintendent. After a long history of allegations of misuse of federal tax dollars, inciting bomb threats and deadly violence in Oklahoma schools, and routinely ignoring the Oklahoma Constitution, it is time for Republicans to take action. Republicans hold the power in both legislative chambers and the Governor’s mansion—it is time for them to use their power to hold the State Superintendent accountable to the people of Oklahoma. We have all waited long enough.”
Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat issued the following statement Friday, saying a probe over OSDE spending is warranted:
“Numerous Senators and I have been raising questions about spending and money not being allocated to specific programs the legislature has authorized at the Department of Education,” Treat said. “While Senators will need to recuse themselves from the investigation to avoid a potential conflict of interest if we have to act on the findings, I fully respect Speaker McCall’s desire to move forward with an inquiry and I will not be an impediment. It is my hope the House moves forward expeditiously. The Senate will stand ready to respond to any of the findings.”
The Senate was not involved in the initiation of the investigation, Treat said.
“The concerns are serious, and the nature of this matter deserves attention. I look forward to the outcome of the House investigation,” he said.
LOFT is a legislative branch that assists the Oklahoma House and Senate. It provides budgetary recommendations to the LOFT Oversight Committee for guidance in setting the funding of state government, higher education and public schools.
