Senate Pro Tem Paxton and Senate Education Chairman Pugh Comment on Potential SDE Investigation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, and Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, today released the following statements regarding the potential investigation surrounding the incident in Superintendent Ryan Walters’ office during the Oklahoma State Board of Education’s executive session.

Pro Tem Paxton and Senator Pugh said the investigation inquiry is being led by OMES and leadership at the agency is working through proper channels to initiate the investigation. 

“This is a bizarre and troubling situation that raises serious questions about the events and what took place during yesterday’s executive session at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting,” Pro Tem Paxton said. “The accounts made public by board members paint a strange, unsettling scene that demands clarity and transparency. Senator Pugh and I appreciate the quick action by OMES to help coordinate through this situation to get details on exactly what happened. More transparency is essential before strong conclusions can be drawn.” 

"The reports coming out of Thursday’s Board of Education meeting raise a number of questions,” Senator Pugh said. “This is a situation that warrants further explanation and transparency. Additionally, Superintendent Walters and those making the allegations deserve to be heard and give their side of the story. I appreciate the efforts by everyone who are taking these allegations seriously. We’ll be watching closely as more information comes to light.”