Education & Politics

   Yesterday Oklahoma education blogger and administrator Jason James laid out a valid and strong argument for people to vote for Joy Hofmeister for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. As usual Mr. James did a  wonderful and job of setting up the background and having valid arguments for his decision. You can read his superb blog post here  click here   I always enjoy his blog posts and getting to talk to him at meetings.  Mr. James is a leader in our profession and has a great pulse for the climate of Oklahoma Education today. But, Today I don't want to disagree with Mr. James just present another side. 

   Let me say that I have met both candidates. Both are talented and extreme upgrades over the current leader, if you can call her that. I expect both candidates to run a clean campaign and I also expect them to return to a more collaborative leadership style. My argument is not based on the quality of  either candidate. It is based more on what is going on in politics today. My personal opinion is that public education has the opportunity to make a huge statement. Currently is Oklahoma as was laid out by Mr. James the Republican Party has a stranglehold on state and federal offices. I am not opposed to that at all. I am actually, contrary to what our current State Superintendent says, a registered voting Republican and not a liberal establishment member. My major issue is when elected officials stop listening to the will of the people and start listening to outside groups with money and promises. The will of the people was demonstrated this spring that it supports public education. When 30,000 educators gathered at the State Capitol and when they sent our current leader to 3rd in her own party primary. Legislators say that if the people of Oklahoma wanted more money for public education they would have passed a state question several years ago. I think it's time to wake them up. I think it's time let them know the people don't support ALEC, Jeb Bush, FEE, Gates, and Walton. They support our teachers in the classroom. They support our students as our future. They can show that by electing Joe Dorman and John Cox this November. By letting education be the deciding factor in the governor's race. 

   Again, let me say this is nothing against Joy Hofmeister. I honestly think she would do a good job and has public educations best interests at heart. I also want to reiterate that Mr. James is 100% correct about Joy having a seat the table. This is about letting today's legislators know that big business and its tax credits and handouts are not more important that public education. That if you listen to outside groups more than you listen to the people of Oklahoma we will send you packing!! That's the accountability Oklahoma needs. Public Education in November has that chance. It has the opportunity to change politics in Oklahoma today. That is too important to pass up for  just a seat at the table when you take the lead.