State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters accused the media of “incomplete,” “inaccurate” and “premature” reporting on issues within a teachers’ bonus program in a memo to state legislative leaders this week.
In the memo obtained by The Oklahoman , Walters also said “several teachers misrepresented their experience and qualifications,” appearing to blame them for the fallout after the Oklahoma State Department of Education wrongly paid bonuses to those teachers. The errors have led to attempts by the agency to claw back thousands of dollars from the teachers , an effort that has not received a positive reaction from lawmakers.
Among those who have come out against the attempted clawback are the chairman of the state Senate’s education committee, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond; Rep. Rhonda Baker, R-Yukon, the chairwoman of the House’s education committee; and Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, the chairman of the House’s education appropriations and budget subcommittee.
None of their names were on Walters’ memo, which was addressed to House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City.