Two measures that would change how Oklahoma selects its state superintendent and restructures the State Board of Education are awaiting consideration on the Oklahoma House floor.
Oklahoma Representative Mike Osburn said the proposals are intended to address governance and oversight issues at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and its governing board.
“Oklahoma has witnessed extreme volatility at the State Department of Education and its board in recent years, and our constituents are demanding improved stability and oversight,” Osburn said. “By involving the Legislature and the governor in appointments of the superintendent and board members, we can align the department and board with the constitutional responsibility of the people’s elected representatives.”
One of the measures, House Joint Resolution 1055, would send a state question to voters asking whether the state superintendent of public instruction should become an appointed position beginning in 2034.
Under the proposal, the State Board of Education would review applications, conduct interviews and submit three to five finalists to the governor. The governor would appoint the superintendent from that list, subject to confirmation by the Oklahoma Senate.
The resolution also outlines a removal process. The superintendent could be removed by a two thirds vote of both the Oklahoma House and Senate, or by order of the governor combined with a two thirds vote of either legislative chamber.
“Over the past three years, Oklahomans have witnessed the efficiencies, or lack thereof, of both elected and appointed state superintendents,” Osburn said. “I believe now is the perfect time to ask the people whether they’re satisfied with the current election process or if they want the position to be appointed.”
The second proposal, House Bill 3327, would expand the State Board of Education and give two appointments each to the Speaker of the House and the Senate President Pro Tempore.
Under that bill, the governor would appoint four members and the state superintendent would continue to serve as board chair. Board members could only be removed for cause by the official who appointed them.
If both measures become law, the governor would appoint five of the nine members on the State Board of Education, including the state superintendent.
Both measures cleared committee and are now eligible for consideration by the full Oklahoma House.
