Statement from Senator Carri Hicks on Senate confirming Trent Smith to the Oklahoma State Board of Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Monday’s vote by the Oklahoma Senate to confirm Trent Smith to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

“The governor’s nominee for the State Board of Education stated at his confirmation hearing that his top priority is to bring competition among schools through the continued emphasis on school choice. Oklahoma is already one of the most expansive states on school choice, using $12.1 million of public funds during the past year to subsidize private schools with no accountability or oversight.

“I am concerned this nominee will not prioritize the 700,000 families and students in Oklahoma who choose public schools but is looking to undermine the collaboration in the public school system that is essential for our students to reach their fullest potential. We know we need more equitable solutions and stronger supports for our students, not less. For these reasons, I am not able to support the confirmation of Mr. Smith.”

For more information, contact Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or email Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov 

Every 10 years, the Oklahoma Legislature is constitutionally required to redraw legislative and congressional district boundaries using the latest U.S. Census data. For more information about the Oklahoma Senate's redistricting process, visit www.oksenate.gov, or submit your redistricting questions at redistricting@oksenate.gov