BIXBY, Okla. (OBV) – Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller dropped bars on the steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol, officially announcing his candidacy for the office of Oklahoma state superintendent.
Miller stood in front of a crowd of supporters in the bright Tuesday sunshine. He was wearing sunglasses and flashing a smile.
“If you had one shot, or one opportunity, would you take it, or let it slip away,” Miller rhetorically asked the crowd. “I’m going to answer that question for you today.”
Miller, a Marine Corps veteran, then removed his sunglasses and put on a navy blue toboggan with “MARINES” emblazoned on it with gold lettering. He then announced his candidacy, dropping verses in rapping rhyme.
“Yo, Oklahoma, listen up. It’s time to decide.
One shot, one chance. Can’t let it pass by.
You know the words. You know the beat. You know the song.
But today, this moment, man, it won’t last long.
If you had one shot, one opportunity to stand for our schools and lead with unity, would you capture it, rise up, answer the call?
Or let it slip, watch our futures start to fall?
Well, I’m not letting it slip.
No way. Not today.
I’m stepping up. I’m all in. I’m here to stay.
With experience, heart and a vision that’s strong; for our kids, our teachers, I’m bringing it on.
So right here, right now, I’m making it clear.
With all of you standing I got nothing to fear.
With passion and purpose, I’m taking the stand.
I’m running for state superintendent.”
The crowd cheered Miller’s announcement, but he reminded them that he had one more verse to go.
“I’m running for state superintendent. Let’s change this land.
It’s time to bring leadership back home where it’s right.
For students first and the chaos, reunite.
So, Oklahoma, I’m ready. I’m ready. And I hope you are too.
Because this isn’t just my movement.
It belongs to you.”
Miller is the first public official to announce a bid for the state superintendent’s office.
Ryan Walters is the current state superintendent, and his time in the office has been replete with controversy.
Walters made disparaging comments about Miller last year 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.” Miller responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against Walters.
A primary platform of Miller’s campaign is to rise above political partisanship.
“He’s not here for political fights. He’s here for Oklahoma’s kids,” his campaign website states.
Miller has amassed many honors in his lengthy career in education, including district Teacher of the Year, National Finalist for Principal of the Year, Oklahoma Assistant Superintendent of the Year and District 5 Superintendent of the Year.
“When others made a show of banning explicit materials from schools, Rob quietly cleaned up the mess, ensuring kids were safe and parents were heard. When the debate over bathrooms made headlines, Rob didn’t posture—he protected students and respected families,” his website states. “Rob believes that great schools aren’t built on politics—they’re built on hard work, common sense, and a relentless focus on what’s best for kids.”
Gov. Kevin Stitt praised Miller earlier this month during his State of the State address, saying that Miller’s efforts to get cell phones out of classrooms has helped Bixby students focus on their school work and succeed academically.
Stitt went on to call for legislation that will prohibit cell phone use in schools. The Oklahoma House of Representatives and Oklahoma Senate are both considering bills to ban cell phones in public schools.
