State Superintendent Ryan Walters talked to 2 News after weeks of trying to get answers to questions.
In the wide-ranging interview 2 news asked Walters about a variety of topics including: the scrutiny he's received, his thoughts on parents' concerns and his outlook on the new school year.
The interview stemmed from a recent opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond that ordered the State Department of Education to release security funds to schools.
LAWMAKERS QUESTION WALTERS' DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS:
2 News reported on Aug. 19, Walters came under fire for not disbursing funds earmarked for school safety by lawmakers and Governor Kevin Stitt.
The funds included nearly $100,000 for each school to boost security in the wake of the Uvalde shooting.
When asked for his response to Drummond's opinion Walters said the OSDE took time to understand how to disperse the funds.
"Look, you know, we've been working for months on this issue. You know we have senators and some House members that disagreed. Disagreed on if the funds roll over and how to get them out to school," said Walters.
The release by Drummond said lawmakers did want that money to be carried over.
Drummond said Walters "wasted months" and "I pray that your failure to deploy these funds does not result in deadly consequences."
Walters said his office handed out the money on the morning of Aug. 20. "So look, we're, we're happy. That clarity is there the money hit the school's accounts this morning."
This is not the first time questions came up about Walters stalling funds.
2 News previously reported $250,000 dedicated to inhalers and spacers for all Oklahoma public schools is still stuck with OSDE.
Governor Stitt signed it into law and allocated funding called for OSDE to use the Brendon McLarty Memorial Foundation to supply the inhalers. However, the foundation never got any funding for inhalers.
Walters said he needs Drummond to clarify how those funds can be sent to the vendor.
"So, here's the deal. So, schools are getting inhalers and are getting reimbursed for them. The question is, how does the foundation get paid? And that's what we've asked the Attorney General.
Right now, we're reimbursing, right? Well, we have some legislators that say we don't want it to be reimbursed. We wanted to get the money upfront," said Walters.
Those lawmakers told 2 News it is all laid out in the original law.
LEGAL CHALLENGES:
Walters is not shy about getting sued. He's fighting eight lawsuits as of Aug. 20.
The newest was filed just last week by Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller. He's suing for libel and slander after Walters called him a clown and liar.
"There comes a time when you are falsely and maliciously attacked such as he was by Ryan Walters," said Miller's attorney Michael Barkett.
WATCH: 2 News talked to people in Bixby about the situation:
Bixby superintendent files suit against Ryan Walters
When asked Walters said, "you know, I haven't talked about Rob Miller for months."
He talked about Miller at an OSDE board meeting on July 31, about two weeks before the interview. 2 News cameras rolled as he called Miller a liar over questions about funding.
"I only responded after the media had asked me for weeks about him. So look, my dedication is for the kids of Oklahoma and improving education. I get that he's obsessed with me. I get that," said Walters.
BACK TO SCHOOL :
Many large school districts welcomed students back on Aug. 20.
"If you're in the bottom 5% of schools, we are going to really, really ensure that, not only are we giving you a little extra support, but we're helping change the culture and dynamics of that school district," said Walters.
He said in the coming weeks, OSDE will roll out additional support to schools and students who may need help.
2 News asked Walters if he attended any of the back-to-school celebrations on Aug. 20.
He said he's not in Oklahoma, but in Arizona at the State Policy Networks annual meeting. SPN is a non-profit with the following mission:
"State Policy Network’s mission is to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks."
Walters said he hopes to share Oklahoma's education reform with other states while at the meeting.
WATCH: Full interview with Superintendent Walters:
FULL INTERVIEW: State Superintendent Ryan Walters talks scrutiny, parents concerns and new school year
More from 2 News Oklahoma
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
Most Popular
Comments / 0