OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mike Osburn, R-Edmond, passed two measures aimed at modifying governance and oversight of the Oklahoma State Board of Education through committee.
House Joint Resolution 1055 would create a state question asking voters whether to make the state superintendent of public instruction an appointed position beginning in 2034. House Bill 3327 would increase the board’s membership and give two appointments each to the Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tempore.
“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. Most importantly, these measures will reinforce public trust in one of Oklahoma’s most critical agencies. Best of all, we will let the people themselves decide whether the state superintendent remains an elected position or an appointed one.”
HJR1055 proposes a state question that, if approved by voters, would change the process by which the state superintendent of public instruction is selected. Under the proposal, the State Board of Education would gather applications, conduct interviews and produce a list of three to five candidates. The governor would appoint the superintendent from that list, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The resolution also outlines removal procedures for the superintendent. The superintendent could be removed from office by a two-thirds vote of both the 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.”
Under HB3327, legislative leadership would each appoint two members to the board. The state superintendent would continue to chair the board, and the governor would also appoint four additional members. The bill also specifies that members may only be removed for cause by the official who appointed them.
If both measures take effect, the governor would appoint a total of five of the nine seats on the Board, including the State Superintendent.
Both measures now can be considered on the House floor.
The Oklahoma Engineering Foundation is interested in this measure for the following reasons:
Stability in state education leadership matters to STEM programs.
The legislation is intended to address volatility at the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma State Board of Education. Stability in leadership affects how consistently statewide programs in math, science, and engineering are supported.
Changes to who controls education policy could influence STEM priorities.
The measures would shift more appointment authority to the governor and legislative leadership. That could shape the direction of curriculum priorities, partnerships, and initiatives that affect STEM education in Oklahoma schools.
OEF programs depend on strong relationships with schools and teachers.
OEF’s programs rely on teachers, administrators, and district participation. Changes in governance at the state level can influence how those relationships operate statewide.
Education policy ultimately affects the engineering workforce pipeline.
Decisions made by the State Board of Education and the state superintendent influence how math and science are prioritized in Oklahoma classrooms. That directly affects the number of students entering engineering and technical fields.