Oklahoma Officials Accused of Fund Mismanagement

A multicounty grand jury in Oklahoma has criticized Governor Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters for 'grossly negligent handling' of pandemic relief funds, specifically the $39.9 million allocated through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. While no criminal charges were filed, the report highlighted significant mismanagement and lack of oversight, with funds being improperly spent on non-educational items like televisions and smartwatches. The grand jury expressed concern that the governor’s political motivations led to the decision to bypass the Oklahoma State Department of Education in favor of private nonprofits for fund management. Stitt's office refuted the findings, claiming that no criminal activity occurred and that the vendor failed to fulfill its responsibilities. The report underscored the preventable waste of funds, which could have better served vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Both Stitt and Walters face serious public criticism for their roles in this financial mismanagement.