Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has approved the appointment of Ryan Leonard as the State Board of Education’s general counsel but expressed concerns about Leonard’s qualifications. Drummond said Leonard lacks the necessary experience for the position but emphasized he has no personal issue with Leonard, as per the Attorney General's Office website.
Drummond indicated he believes political connections may have influenced the appointment and stated he reserves the right to revoke his approval if circumstances warrant. This follows a previous incident in which Drummond withdrew approval for a former general counsel after a dispute over legislators attending the Board’s executive sessions.
Drummond also urged state education leaders to focus on improving Oklahoma’s educational performance. He noted Oklahoma’s ranking as 50th in education and called on Governor Kevin Stitt, the Board, and Superintendent Ryan Walters to concentrate on raising standards for students, parents, and teachers.
