The Oklahoma House and Senate have proposed a halt to the usage of funds for public relations by the State Department of Education (OSDE).
This development took place after Representative Mark McBride expressed concern about excessive resources being dedicated to public relations instead of focusing on educational progress for students. The suggestion would limit the OSDE’s capacity to allocate budget toward such actions.
Previously, the OSDE had an agreement with Precision Outreach, a Texas-based video production agency. They developed public awareness videos about national education events and teachers’ associations, which included State Superintendent Ryan Walters presenting criticisms on teachers’ unions. From May 2023 to May 2024, these endeavors cost taxpayers $22.5 thousand. An additional $50 thousand contract for social media content creation was later signed with the same agency.
Meanwhile, the OSDE also hired Vought Strategies, a Washington D.C.-based PR firm, providing a range of services amounting to a cost of $30 thousand.
After this involvement, Superintendent Walters started appearing on Fox News and Newsmax. This was criticized by Rep.
Halting Oklahoma’s educational PR expenditures
McBride and Rep. Forrest Bennett as extravagant and unnecessary. They argued that Walters could better spend his time dealing directly with Oklahoma’s schools and communities.
In response to these circumstances, lawmakers are contemplating a bill to restrict the utilization of taxpayer funds for personal promotion and public relations. Simultaneously, the Senate approved a budget over $3.8 billion for the OSDE that aims to prioritize infrastructural developments, teacher training, and essential support services.
Lastly, Rep. McBride urged for responsible individuals who prioritize education over self-promotion, marking a shift in future employment in key educational roles. Proponents believe such a focus would result in a more effective, transparent, and learner-centered approach to education.
