In a recent revelation, Oklahoma’s state superintendent, Ryan Walters, faces scrutiny over hefty spending to promote his political agenda. The latest contract, totaling $50,000 with a Texas-based company, has raised eyebrows, especially considering the company’s ties to individuals within Walters’s office.

Controversial Campaign Sparks Outcry

The controversy stems from a video aired during a state board of education meeting in May 2023. The video, described by some as incendiary, elicited strong emotions from parents and teachers alike. Erika Wright, a concerned parent, voiced her distress, stating, What was put out by the State Department of Education today is going to get somebody hurt.

Uncovering Financial Connections

Further investigation into the ‘public awareness campaign’ revealed financial ties between the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) and Precision Outreach, a Houston-based company. Records show payments of over $22,000 to Precision Outreach for video production, with an additional $50,000 contract recently secured.

Taxpayer Dollars at Work

The contract outlines a significant expenditure, with taxpayers footing the bill at $150 an hour for the creation of social media content and videos. Notably, Precision Outreach was the sole bidder for the project, raising questions about the transparency of the procurement process.

Political Intrigue Unveiled

Jess Fields, the owner of Precision Outreach, has close connections to Superintendent Walters’s office, adding a layer of political intrigue to the controversy. Fields’s ties include a shared history with Matt Langston, a senior advisor to Walters, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Out-of-State Spending Raises Eyebrows

The controversy doesn’t end there. Reports have surfaced of additional out-of-state spending to promote Walters’s agenda, including contracts with DC-based Vought Strategies. Questions loom over the allocation of taxpayer funds and the relationship between Langston and these external vendors.

Superintendent’s Office Responds

Amid mounting scrutiny, the OSDE issued a statement reaffirming Superintendent Walters’s commitment to reforming Oklahoma schools. However, questions remain unanswered regarding the allocation of taxpayer funds and the transparency of vendor selection processes.

Conclusion: Transparency and Accountability Needed

As controversy swirls around Superintendent Walters’s spending decisions, calls for transparency and accountability grow louder. Taxpayers deserve clarity on how their hard-earned dollars are being used and assurance that political agendas are not eclipsing the needs of Oklahoma’s education system.

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