Oklahoma Education Board Questions Walters’ Free Lunch Cost Estimates

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has mandated that all public schools provide free lunches to every student, asserting that districts have sufficient funds and can cover costs by cutting what he calls "bureaucratic bloat." Walters estimates the additional cost at about $42 million, a figure that has been strongly disputed by members of the Oklahoma State Board of Education and local school officials, who believe the true cost ranges between $160 million and $181 million. Board members and district leaders have criticized Walters' calculations and called the mandate an unfunded burden, noting that many students are ineligible for free or reduced-price meals, which significantly increases the cost. Walters has suggested that districts have carryover funds in their child nutrition programs and threatened audits and accreditation downgrades for those not complying. However, board members have questioned the evidence for these surplus funds and have expressed frustration over a lack of transparency and communication from Walters. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the State Department of Education and local districts over funding priorities and accountability.