‘A personal political gimmick’: Oklahoma superintendents say no to Walters’ Bible directive

At least 17 districts have publicly said they will not change their curriculum.

Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters' office released guidance for the directive, instructing schools that the guidelines, the Bible , the Constitution , the Declaration of Independence and the Ten Commandments must be provided to every teacher.

StateImpact sent a survey to all of the districts in the state to find out how many were implementing changes this year .

Superintendent Walters admonished “rogue administrators” for pushing back on the Bible directive at the July 31 State Board of Education meeting.

OSDE spokesperson: “Compliance is in the best interest of Oklahoma students and is not optional.” Deer Creek Public Schools superintendent Jason Perez , superintendent, said his first steps were to take it to legal counsel, talk with other districts and bring in curriculum team.

Cache Public Schools Superintendent Chad Hance said the guidelines Walters sent to districts weren’t clear, and it’s still “hard to tell” what exactly is required.

Oklahoma law says only school districts themselves may choose instructional materials.

Mid-Del Public Schools superintendent Rick Cobb said he hopes the legislature will intercede.