The Senate Education Committee on Tuesday approved Governor Kevin Stitt’s four State Board of Education nominees. The slate will go to the full Senate for a vote soon.
Members of the Committee peppered two of the nominees with questions. Senator Carri Hicks refused to carry the nominations of Estela Hernandez and Jennifer Monies, so Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat carried them.
The questions were mainly aimed at what role traditional public schools, charter schools and virtual charter schools play in Oklahoma public education. Local school board control versus State Board of Education control was also discussed.
Hernandez was approved 13 to three.
Monies moved forward with a vote of ten to six.
“I’ve known both Estela Hernandez and Jennifer Monies for years and know they are both successful and capable women who are more than qualified to serve on the State Board of Education. Governor Stitt made a great choice in selecting these two women to serve because they will bring a new perspective, energy, and high level of expectations for our entire educational system. I know they both will work to focus Oklahoma education policy on students where it belongs. I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Ms. Hernandez and Ms. Monies and know they will do a great job for Oklahoma students, parents, and educators as members of the State Board of Education,” said Treat.
Businessmen Brian Bobek and Kurt Bollenbach did not receive any questioning, but both won unanimous approval, 15 to zero.
“I applaud the Senate Committee on Education for moving forward my administration’s nominations to the State Board of Education. Each new member is a qualified leader and passionate about ensuring Oklahoma’s children all have access to a Top Ten education system. I have full faith they will serve our state well, and I look forward to their confirmation before the full senate,” said Stitt.
