Oklahoma Gov Stitt appoints Lindel Fields new state schools superintendent

Governor Kevin Stitt appointed Tulsa native Lindel Fields as the new Oklahoma State Superintendent of Education following Ryan Walters' resignation. Fields, a retired CareerTech administrator and former superintendent of Tri-County Tech, emphasized a leadership style focused on honesty, respect, and priorities such as student reading proficiency, teacher recruitment and retention, and expanding career options for students. Stitt expressed a desire to change the superintendent role from an elected position to a gubernatorial appointment to better align education leadership with the governor's vision. Meanwhile, State Senator Adam Pugh, chairman of the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee, announced his candidacy for the 2026 state superintendent race, highlighting his experience with education policy and a focus on literacy and principal training. Pugh joins a crowded field aiming to lead the Oklahoma State Department of Education, reflecting ongoing political activity surrounding the state's education leadership. The transition marks a shift from the controversial tenure of Walters toward a new direction aimed at stabilizing and improving Oklahoma's educational system.