Drummond allows hiring of State Board of Education’s new attorney, with reservations

However, Drummond voiced reservations about the move and continued to criticize Gov. Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Ryan Walters for the ongoing “political drama” that has Oklahoma ranked 50th in education.

“While I have no issues with Ryan Leonard personally, it is clear he does not have the proper experience to serve as general counsel to the most significant governing board in the State of Oklahoma,” Drummond said. “You wouldn’t hire a divorce attorney to sue your insurance company, and you wouldn’t hire a DUI lawyer to handle an adoption. Mr. Leonard does not have the right legal experience to do this job, but he certainly has the right political connections. I am not in agreement with the Board’s decision on this matter. However, I respect it is their decision to make. If this is the attorney they wish to hire, then I will not interfere.”

Drummond said he has allowed approval of the request for now but reserves the right to revoke it if circumstances justify that action. Drummond previously revoked approval for a former general counsel to the State Board of Education after that attorney clashed with Drummond over a state law that requires legislators be admitted to the Board’s executive sessions. The Board now routinely admits legislators to its executive sessions, and the former general counsel is no longer employed by the Board or the State Department of Education.

Drummond also offered broad criticism for the constant “political drama” between Gov. Stitt’s appointees on the Board and Walters, who Stitt appointed as secretary of education and then endorsed to serve as superintendent of public instruction.

“Gov. Stitt may wish we would all forget that he appointed and endorsed Ryan Walters, but the resulting political drama from their falling out is a constant reminder,” Drummond said.  “Meanwhile, Oklahoma is now ranked 50th in education under their leadership. Our students, their parents and every teacher in Oklahoma deserves more than political in-fighting. I encourage the Governor, his appointees on the Board and Superintendent Walters to stop playing political games and start focusing on improving public education in Oklahoma.”