Statement: Eliminating U.S. Department of Education, moving to block grants would be bad for Oklahoma

The superintendent's proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and move funding to a block grant scheme is bad for Oklahoma. And it's bad for our nation.

The memo states problems that don't exist in Oklahoma schools. More notably, it insults the tireless work being done by our friends and neighbors who serve on local school boards and who teach in our public schools.

Moving to a block grant scheme doesn't actually solve the federal influence the superintendent argues against. Decisions about the amount and purpose for education block grants would still be made at the federal level. The grants would also come with strings attached.

Simply put, this memo seeks to manufacture individual political gain at the expense of Oklahoma school children. Our children and our schools deserve better.