In a decisive move following underwhelming state education scores, Oklahoma Governor reconfigured the State Board of Education by appointing three new members. The shakeup is a direct response to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) which revealed Oklahoma's lagging behind in reading and math compared to the national average, as reported by the Oklahoma State Senate.

Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt responded to the governor's decision, voicing her long-standing concerns about the lack of progress and prioritization of academic performance over politics within the board. According to a statement she provided, “Ensuring all children have a great education is a top priority for Senate Democrats, but the state superintendent and his board have continually placed politics over Oklahoma’s children, ” as stated by the Oklahoma State Senate. 

Julia Kirt's commentary aligns with her party's agenda which has consistently emphasized education reform as a cornerstone for legislative action. Kirt represents a faction in the state senate that has been outspoken about the urgency of addressing educational disparities and the need for substantial changes within the State Board of Education, as per the Oklahoma State Senate.