OK State Superintendent Ryan Walters Has Spent Thousands in Taxpayer Funds on Travel
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has spent over $27,000 in taxpayer dollars on nationwide travels since 2023, drawing scrutiny as public funds intended for education are instead being used for his political engagements. These trips have taken Walters across the country, with records showing a pattern of politically charged events and appearances. According to a recent report by OKC Fox, these expenditures reveal a significant use of public education funds for personal promotion.
Nationwide Appearances Promoting a Political Agenda
Beginning in the spring of 2023, Walters’ travels have included high-profile events that serve to amplify his political stance rather than focus on Oklahoma’s educational needs. Among these trips was a June 2023 appearance at the Moms for Liberty event in Philadelphia. The two-night stay, which cost Oklahomans $1,459.78, featured Walters warning attendees about perceived threats to American families, stating, “These are folks who want to destroy our society” in reference to progressive ideologies.
In July, Walters traveled to the Teacher Freedom Summit in Denver to advocate for decertifying teachers’ unions, a trip that cost taxpayers nearly $1,000. Such trips exemplify a broader pattern of using public resources for political engagements on a national stage.
Partnerships with Conservative Think Tanks
A significant portion of Walters’ travel has centered on meetings with conservative organizations, including the Heritage Foundation and PragerU, known for promoting controversial educational programs. In August 2023, a three-day trip to Washington, D.C., to meet Heritage Foundation leaders, cost taxpayers over $5,100. This trip coincided with Walters’ appearance on national media, where he testified about China’s alleged influence in Oklahoma classrooms.
Additionally, Walters’ partnership with PragerU has been a focal point of his education platform. A November 2023 trip to Los Angeles, costing $2,608.04, saw Walters promoting the inclusion of PragerU content in Oklahoma classrooms, a move that has sparked debate over the use of public education funds for ideological purposes.
Justifications for ‘Essential’ Travel
Despite an executive order from Governor Kevin Stitt banning non-essential out-of-state travel for state employees, Walters has repeatedly justified these trips as essential to his role. All travel requests submitted by Walters and his team claim that these engagements are “critical to the performance of core agency functions.” However, many critics argue that the trips primarily serve to enhance Walters’ national profile rather than benefit Oklahoma’s students.
Ongoing Investigations Into Travel Spending
The $27,000 in taxpayer-funded travel identified so far may not represent the full extent of Walters’ spending. Ongoing investigations are attempting to uncover additional details, with more documents expected through Open Records requests. Some records from the Oklahoma State Department of Education were found incomplete, further complicating the investigation.
As questions mount about the allocation of taxpayer dollars, it remains to be seen how these travels benefit the state’s public education system, if at all.
