Oklahoma schools

State Superintendent Ryan Walters has sued three federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of imposing a financial burden on Oklahoma schools through a “repeated failure” to secure the nation’s southern border.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters sent superintendents an email Thursday afternoon mandating districts show students a video of him announcing the new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism and inviting students into a prayer for President-elect Donald Trump, among other topics.

Four years ago, lawmakers passed a bill requiring all Oklahoma public schools to offer at least four Advanced Placement courses. It went into effect this fall. But, most schools still aren’t teaching four AP courses — and rural schools say the law has had little impact.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters is continuing his efforts to align Oklahoma’s education policies with those of the incoming Trump Administration.

Oklahoma is among the top hotspots in the country when it comes to legislative attempts to censor certain discussions in academic settings, according to a new report. The study shows lawmakers in this state have proposed the second most so-called “Educational Gag Orders” in the country since 2021.

Rep. Mark McBride (R-Moore) sent a letter to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond last week for an opinion on whether funds allocated by the legislature for another purpose can be transferred to pay for State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ classroom Bible initiative.

At Thursday’s State Board of Education meeting, State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced in his annual budget proposal $3 million was already being spent on classroom Bibles, and the board voted to ask the legislature for an additional $3 million.

As the fall semester gets into full swing, Oklahoma schools are experiencing a spike in threats of violence.

State Attorney General Gentner Drummond released an expedited opinion Sunday telling the Oklahoma State Department of Education it must release funds intended to enhance school safety measures.

The State Board of Education has ruled against two school districts complying with a court order to change sex and gender designation on records of certain students.