Federal report raises concerns about OSDE

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A federal review has raised serious concerns about the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

The 98-page report, released July 25 by the United States Department of Education, pinpointed 52 “fiscal and program monitoring indicators.”

Of the 52 areas, 32 of those received the lowest mark of “action required.”

That means there was “significant compliance and quality concerns” in a number of different areas including Title I, finances, and grant allocations.

The review was based on a four-mark system. Areas receiving four marks had the highest compliance. Areas with one-mark had the lowest compliance.

Only two of the 52 categories had four marks. Some of the areas with the lowest ranking were internal controls, audit requirements, personnel, allocations of finances, and charter school oversight.

The most concerning area from the review saw that OSDE was failing to meet Title I requirements in several categories including schoolwide programs, targeted assistance programs, and support for school improvements.

"This is a major problem,” said Erin Brewer, a parent and education advocate, “it just confirms what we've been worried about."

Brewer has started two parent groups who have been calling for action in Oklahoma’s education system.

"They can't get final budget figures, that they're losing teachers and struggling to hire them. We've seen after-school programs get canceled," said Brewer.

Brewer said the problem has grown so big, she decided to run for office to help her cause.

"We're not just talking about kids having what they need at school, we're also talking about taxpayers being done a disservice, that the funds we have paid in that we expected to serve children aren't getting there," said Brewer.

KFOR reached out to OSDE for comment on the review but never heard back.

Last Friday, Superintendent Ryan Walters called for the impeachment process to begin after reports of Republican House Representatives signing a letter to start an investigation into the department, as well as multiple requests for investigations into OSDE’s finances, including a LOFT committee.

"We do not need to wait on a LOFT committee. We do not need to wait on an investigation. It is time to start the proceedings immediately," said Walters.

House Speaker Charles McCall responded.

"While Superintendent Walters may desire a path toward his own impeachment, my focus is firmly on the LOFT investigation into the Oklahoma State Department of Education," said McCall.

Now with the federal review of the OSDE public more concerns have surfaced. OSDE has between 30 to 60 days to respond to the federal report and provide action plans or meet improvement requirements.