Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters Under Scrutiny for Board Absences

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters is facing mounting criticism for his consistently poor attendance at various state board meetings. An analysis of public records by Oklahoma Voice reveals a pattern of absences, sparking concerns about accountability and the effective governance of key state institutions impacting K-12 education, vocational learning, and higher education across Oklahoma.

Superintendent Walters’ Attendance Record

Despite holding seats, and even chairs, on several crucial state boards, Superintendent Walters has been notably absent from many meetings, particularly in 2025. This trend extends beyond the high-profile State Board of Education, where his tenure has seen canceled meetings and significant tensions.

Key Boards and Missed Meetings

• State Board of Career and Technology Education: As chair, Walters has attended only one of seven meetings in 2025, even skipping sessions held adjacent to his own office. Brent Haken, the CareerTech Director, has led these meetings in his stead.
• Oklahoma State Board of Education: The board, which Walters leads, experienced two canceled meetings in 2025. Following an abrupt cancellation in August, board members took the unusual step of scheduling their own special meeting, which Walters then also failed to attend.
• Commissioners of the Land Office: This board oversees state-owned school lands and assets crucial for public education funding. Walters has not attended a single meeting in 2025.
• State Board of Equalization: Responsible for reviewing tax revenue that funds state government, Walters missed both meetings held this year and a total of four since taking office in January 2023.
• Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA): Records indicate Walters attended no OETA meetings in 2023 or 2024.
• Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board: Under state law, the state superintendent automatically holds a seat on this board, which governs six public universities. Walters has never been marked present for a RUSO board meeting since assuming office.

A Closer Look: Walters vs. Predecessor

To provide context, here’s a comparison of Superintendent Walters’ attendance with his predecessor, Joy Hofmeister, during her final year in office (2022) or prior years where data was available:

Reactions and Implications for Oklahoma

The absences have drawn varied responses. Brent Haken, CareerTech Director, noted he “enjoy[s] the lack of attention so that we can get work done.” However, Chris Van Denhende, who served on the RUSO board before being appointed to the State Board of Education, expressed frustration with the “politics” and highlighted that the superintendent’s presence could provide an opportunity to address critical issues, such as college readiness among high school graduates.

Oklahoma City constitutional attorney Bob Burke emphasized the importance of elected officials attending these boards or appointing designees. He stated, “What the people lose is the vision of the (state) founders in holding all of our government accountable to the people,” noting that Walters is the only State Board of Education member elected by the public.

In a statement, Superintendent Walters declined to explain his absences, asserting his focus “has been, and will continue to be, on reforming Oklahoma’s education system to put families and students first.”

FAQs About State Board Attendance

• Why are these state board meetings important for Oklahoma locals?
  These boards make decisions that directly affect public education funding, vocational training, higher education, state tax revenue, and other government matters that impact the daily lives and future of Oklahomans.
• Who typically leads meetings when Superintendent Walters is absent?
  For the Board of Career and Technology Education, Director Brent Haken has led meetings. For the State Board of Education, other board members have proceeded to conduct business in his absence.
• Can Ryan Walters appoint someone to attend meetings in his place?
  Yes, state law allows for the appointment of designees to attend meetings. Walters has done so for the Statewide Charter School Board and the State Textbook Committee.
• What is the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, and how does it relate to these meetings?
  The Oklahoma Open Meeting Act ensures transparency in government by requiring public bodies to give proper notice of their meetings and make their proceedings accessible to the public. One of the State Board of Education’s meetings in 2025 was canceled for not complying with this act due to a late agenda posting.

Staying informed about the participation of your elected officials in these critical state functions is essential for ensuring accountability and advocating for the best interests of Oklahoma’s future.

Oklahomas Ryan Walters Under Scrutiny for Board Absences