Overview

• Lindel Fields, a longtime educator and former Tri County Tech leader, was introduced in Tulsa as the new superintendent as Stitt declared a “new day” for public schools.
• Stitt urged lawmakers to send voters a plan to make the superintendent an appointed position, noting only 12 states still elect the role.
• The governor installed new leadership around Fields, naming Dan Hamlin secretary of education and adding board members Wes Nofire and Brian Bobek, alongside a turnaround team to review programs and contracts.
• Fields outlined immediate priorities that include improving reading proficiency, strengthening teacher recruitment and retention, and expanding career pathways, and he said he does not intend to run for office.
• An audit of the education department’s finances under former superintendent Ryan Walters is underway at the request of Attorney General Gentner Drummond, and the state auditor’s office has received the referral as Walters moves to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance.