Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has released a memo outlining his plans to shift the duties of the Department of Education to states and parents. Walters believes that the federal agency has overstepped its bounds, using taxpayer dollars to impose harmful policies on schools. He plans to form a Trump Education Advisory Team to help align school priorities with the upcoming Trump administration’s education policies. Walters anticipates the closure of the Department of Education and aims to fill any gaps left by federal programs while developing legislative recommendations.
President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his intentions to shutter the Department of Education and return control of education to the states. He has mentioned former Rep. Lee Zeldin and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as potential candidates for Secretary of Education. Walters believes that the president’s education agenda will be aggressive and comprehensive, with a conservative focus. He is confident that Trump will follow through with his plans to close the agency, leading to increased student aptitude and a reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy.
Walters is focused on ensuring that Oklahoma is aligned with Trumpian policies, regardless of whether he is chosen for a position in the administration. He believes that improving education will have far-reaching impacts on the economy, jobs, and society as a whole. Walters seeks to provide support for families and school choice, challenging the current top-down system that comes with influence from teachers’ unions. He sees Tuesday’s “definitive win” by pro-school-choice candidates as a step in the right direction for his agenda.
The transition plan crafted by Walters aims to show that the education system can continue to operate without the bureaucratic influence of the Department of Education. He believes that eliminating this influence will allow for more flexibility and efficiency in the education system. Additionally, he sees the closure of the Department as a way to prevent social indoctrination in schools, focusing instead on promoting patriotism through the curriculum. Walters is dedicated to implementing President Trump’s educational agenda in Oklahoma and creating a roadmap for other states to follow.
In the current political climate, several lawmakers have proposed bills to abolish the Department of Education. Rep. Barry Moore authored such a bill in Congress, but it remains in committee. Walters’ plans align with this sentiment, as he believes that states should have more control over their education systems. While he awaits Trump’s decision on his cabinet choices, Walters remains committed to his goal of improving education in Oklahoma and beyond. He sees an opportunity to reshape the education system in a way that benefits students and families, free from interference from federal agencies.
