It’s an election year and members of the Kingfisher County Republican Party are preparing to make their voices heard.

In anticipation of the upcoming primaries and general election, the group gathered for the Kingfisher County Republican Convention on Tuesday, Jan. 30, to elect new officers.

Vice chairman Tim Riddle said the group is required to hold a county convention every two years, during an election year.

Prior to the convention, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters served as a guest speaker, discussing various topics related to education and also welcomed questions from audience members.

Walters discussed policies and procedures to assure age-appropriate materials are being utilized in Oklahoma’s public schools and what he said is a plan to “get back to the basics” to ensure students receive the education they deserve.

“We want to see better student outcomes in our schools… kids that can do math and read on grade level and to see them live a high-quality life,” Walters said.

The goal is to provide the “We understand what made America great and we hold to those values and our history…this is the path forward. “I’m very optimistic about what we’re doing and inspired by getting to meet with the people of Oklahoma. “Oklahoma is ready to be a leader in education.” Following Walters’ presentation and Q&A session, the Kingfisher County Republicans held their convention, electing officers for the current year. Officers elected to serve for the current year were: Kevin Hopkins - chairman, Amanda Hills -vice chairman, Francene Eaton – secretary and Tammy Hopkins – treasurer. Also, Tim Riddle and Warren Smith will serve as district committee members and Debbie Parks and Pam Brueggen as state committee members. Parks encouraged county members of the Republican party to come to a meeting, get involved and share their input and ideas with the group. “There are always important political topics to discuss even in non-election years,” she said. needed resources and have accountability for student outcomes, he added.

“We need to make sure our kids have an understanding of the basics and that every kid knows they are a gift from God…that they’re uniquely created by God and we want to get the most out of their talents,” he said.

Walters also stressed the importance of relying on our nation’s foundational principles and the rights therein, quoting Winston Churchill - “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you can see.”

Walters praised the state’s CareerTech program and discussed the need for holding public universities to high standards, being accountable to taxpayers and for student outcomes.

Walters also touched on providing merit pay and incentives for teachers, student safety, holding students to high academic and behavioral standards, providing more guidance regarding legal issues within the public school system and other topics.

In closing, Walters said,