Oklahoma AG Approves Education Board Counsel Amid Qualification Concerns

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has approved the State Board of Education's selection of Ryan Leonard as general counsel despite expressing significant reservations about Leonard's qualifications and experience. Drummond described Leonard as politically connected but lacking the appropriate legal background for the role, though he emphasized he has no personal issue with Leonard and respects the board's authority to make the hiring decision. Drummond reserved the right to revoke his approval if circumstances warrant, referencing a past incident where he removed a previous general counsel. Leonard, who has served as special counsel to Governor Kevin Stitt on Native American affairs and has experience representing state agencies, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and looks forward to working with the board and Superintendent Ryan Walters. Drummond also criticized ongoing political conflicts between Governor Stitt and Superintendent Walters, which he blamed for Oklahoma's ranking as 50th in education, urging leaders to focus on improving educational outcomes rather than engaging in political disputes. The controversy highlights tensions within Oklahoma's education governance amid broader concerns about the state's educational performance.