Oklahoma Governor Appoints Lindel Fields as State Superintendent Amid Education Leadership Overhaul

Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Lindel Fields as Oklahoma's new State Superintendent of Public Instruction, following the resignation of Ryan Walters. Fields, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, previously served as superintendent and CEO of Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he led the institution to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. His priorities as superintendent include improving reading proficiency, teacher recruitment and retention, and creating career pathways, aiming to stabilize and improve Oklahoma's education system, which currently ranks 50th nationally. Stitt expressed the need for a turnaround at the State Department of Education, criticizing the politicization under Walters and calling for legislative changes to make the superintendent an appointed, rather than elected, position. Fields, who has no political ambitions, is focused on steady leadership and serving students, parents, and teachers, emphasizing his commitment to the state's educators. The appointment was well received by lawmakers and education leaders, highlighting Fields' reputation for integrity, clear vision, and effective leadership.