Oklahoma schools head takes aim at Tulsa district. Critics say his motives are politically driven

By SEAN MURPHY
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s top public education official has a new target in his culture war fight: the Tulsa school district. While all other districts in the state had their accreditation approved last month, State Superintendent Ryan Walters singled out the state’s largest district for further scrutiny. The board made up entirely of appointees of Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt voted to accredit the district on Thursday, but noted deficiencies. The district’s superintendent has already resigned because of the fight. Walters says he’s focused on poor test scores and a recent embezzlement scandal in the district. But many say targeting Tulsa Public Schools, which educates the most Black students of any district in the state, is just the latest example of Walters’ embracing political battles.