Oklahoma's Ryan Walters announces advisory committee to streamline Trump's education changes

Oklahoma schools State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced Monday an education advisory committee set to overlook and be proactive in implementing education changes from incoming Trump administration, including potentially eliminating the federal Department of Education.

“The future of Oklahoma’s public education is bright with incoming President Donald Trump who has been a fearless champion of efforts to eliminate the federal bureaucracy that has shut local communities and parents out of the decisions that impact their students’ educations,” said Walters, announcing a search for education leaders to be on committee.

“With the much anticipated changes to come under President Trump, Oklahoma needs to be ready to smoothly adapt while upholding Oklahoma values in public schools and maintaining the highest standards of education for our students. I look forward to announcing committee members in the coming days, individuals who are dedicated to improving Oklahoma’s academic outcomes and getting to work on ways we can continue to champion the priorities outlined in my memo to parents and schools last week,” he added.

Walters said the group is charged with quickly implementing federal education policy changes and creating guidance for Oklahoma schools during these changes.

The goals of the committee are aligning Oklahoma with Trump’s policies, creating strategies to remove federal programs from the state and give recommendations to Trump’s administration.

Walters, who has embraced a culture warrior role in his post, has been floated as a potential pick to lead President-elect Trump's Education Department.

When asked about the speculation, Walters's office did not give any indication if the superintendent is considering the spot.

“Superintendent Walters is focused on reforming education in Oklahoma to improve academic outcomes and drive woke indoctrination from the classroom. Americans across the country are looking forward to renewing President Trump’s leadership to bring excellence back to our schools,” his spokesperson said.