The news of Ryan Walters’ intent to resign was met with a mix of emotions, though a heavy ingredient from the public school sector was joy.

Walters’ term as superintendent of public instruction has had its share of tumultuous moments, several of which have seen Walters publicly sparring with some school superintendents.

As word of his announcement spread, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who has announced his plans to run for governor and has been vocal in his criticisms of Walters and current Governor Kevin Stitt, was quick to release a statement: “Ever since Gov. Stitt appointed Ryan Walters to serve as Secretary of Education, we have witnessed a stream of never-ending scandal and political drama. From the mishandling of pandemic relief funds that resulted in families buying Xboxes and refrigerators to the latest squabbling with board members over what was or wasn’t showing on TV, the Stitt-Walters era has been an embarrassment to our state.

“Even worse, test scores and reading proficiency are at historic lows.

“It’s time for a State Superintendent of Public Instruction who will actually focus on quality instruction in our public schools. Gov. Stitt used to say he would make us Top Ten, but after seven years we are ranked 50th in education. Our families, our students and our teachers deserve so much more.”

Locally, the KT&FP reached out to the six superintendents from Kingfi sher County and asked them if they wished to comment on Walters’ time as superintendent and what they hoped for from his successor. ( Note: Governor Stitt will appoint a superintendent to carry out the remainder of Walters’ term, which ends in January 2027. The election for the post is November 2026.)

Some superintendents were out of town and could not respond.

Kingfisher Superintendent Andy Evans offered this: “You have to appreciate the efforts of anyone who is willing to put themselves in the position of trying to be a leader, whether they are popular, unpopular, successful or not successful,” Evans wrote. “Superintendent Walters has had a controversial term and that has been unfortunate and diffi cult for our local districts due to the constant barrage of media postings from him that has caused confusion and sometimes placed districts in awkward positions due to our commitment to our local communities.”

Among the controversies surrounding Walters were controversial new social studies standards, a mandate that a Bible be placed in every classroom and another mandate in July of this year that all school districts provide free breakfast and lunch to all students for this school year.

While some districts already offer free meals, Walters’ mandate came just before the school year was set to begin and after legislative funding had been allocated, leaving many districts in flux as to how to fund the mandate.

Evans said Kingfisher Public Schools’ experience in working with Walters’ department last year was a positive one.

The district worked with the Oklahoma State Department of Education in the wake of having its estimate of needs amended by the Kingfisher County Excise Board.

“SDE did help Kingfisher to adjust our state aid last year once we had a change in our available millages and the state aid amount wound up being most of our carryover,” Evans said. “We did have tremendous help from our community members such as Secretary of Education (Nellie) Sanders, Rob Johnson in the attorney general’s offi ce, Representative (Mike) Dobrinski and Senator (Darcy) Jech in reaching the correct people to get our issue worked through and their timely advice.

“How much Superintendent Walters had to do with that I do not know, but the SDE staff was exceptional in their aid to our district as were our community leaders.”

Evans added he felt, moving forward, there are local people who will have a positive impact on education.

“The governance of the State Board of Education is in good hands with him leaving,” Evans said. “State school board member (Ryan) Deatherage (of Kingfisher) and Secretary Sanders are doing exceptional work at the state level as are the other State Board of Education members.”

Lomega Superintendent Cory Wilson said he did his best to keep his focus more on his communities than what was happening in Oklahoma City.

“While Ryan Walters’ tenure as state superintendent was certainly marked by controversy, my focus has always been – and continues to be – on the students, staff and communities we serve here in our schools,” Wilson said. “Public education works best when leadership at every level prioritizes collaboration, support for teachers and policies that keep students at the center of every decision.

“Looking forward, I hope the next superintendent, whether appointed or elected, will bring stability and a commitment to strengthening public schools rather than dividing them.

“Oklahoma students deserve a leader who values public education, works hand in hand with educators and provides the resources necessary to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. My hope is for a superintendent who champions teachers, listens to communities and builds trust in the system that serves all Oklahomans.”

Okarche superintendent Josh Sumrall echoed Wilson’s desire to have a superintendent who is willing to understand and work with all districts.

“The position of state superintendent holds many duties and decisions that affect all of the schools in Oklahoma,” Sumrall said. “No matter who holds the title of state superintendent, I believe it is essential for the person to understand and probably have some experience as to what individual schools deal with on a daily basis and how local schools function.

“It is a tough position and I wish the best of luck to whoever gets the position.”