UPDATE: Tensions escalate within the Oklahoma State Board of Education as attorney Bob Burke threatens to take Superintendent Ryan Walters to the Oklahoma Supreme Court if he does not post notice of a crucial special meeting. Burke represents four board members who are demanding action to address ongoing educational governance issues.
At the heart of the conflict is a request made during the last board meeting to schedule a special session. According to Burke, Walters has failed to respond adequately, leading board members to feel sidelined. “They are not playing games,” Burke emphasized, refuting Walters’ claims that the board is being disingenuous.
Burke confirmed that the board members intend to meet on September 3, 2025, regardless of Walters’ participation. He has formally requested that Walters post notice of this meeting on the Oklahoma Department of Education website by next Tuesday. If Walters does not comply, Burke will escalate the matter to the highest court in Oklahoma.
The context of this dispute centers on the board’s constitutional right to self-governance in overseeing public education in the state. “The Board is allowed by state statute to have its own attorney to help them supervise the public education system in Oklahoma,” Burke asserted, citing the Oklahoma Constitution’s provisions that empower the board.
Burke’s previous attempts to convene a meeting have been repeatedly met with resistance from Walters. “So far the superintendent has resisted the urge to do so,” he noted. This ongoing standoff has left board members frustrated and determined to take necessary steps to fulfill their responsibilities.
In a letter sent to Walters, Burke outlined the legal obligation for the superintendent to post a notice when a majority of the board requests a meeting. “If Mr. Walters does not post notice of a special meeting to consider the Board hiring an attorney by next Tuesday, I will ask the Oklahoma Supreme Court to order him to do so,” Burke warned.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With public education at stake, the board members are eager to move forward with crucial discussions aimed at improving Oklahoma’s schools. Burke insists, “They want to get rid of this side show that unfortunately happens every month at board of education meetings and get on with the business of improving public schools in Oklahoma.”
The special meeting is currently posted on the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s website, but not on the Department of Education’s, raising further concerns about transparency and governance.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which may soon be called to intervene in this critical governance dispute. Stay tuned for updates as the board members push for their rights to meet and make decisions that impact the future of education in Oklahoma.
