For more than 40 years, I have walked the halls of Oklahoma schools – as a teacher, coach, counselor, and for the past 32 years, as a superintendent. I’ve seen firsthand what helps schools succeed. I’ve also seen what gets in the way.
Right now, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: education in Oklahoma has become too political – and our students are paying the price.
The State Superintendent Is an Administrative Role – Not a Political Platform
The role of State Superintendent was never intended to be a political platform. It is, at its core, an administrative leadership position.
This office oversees billions of dollars in public education funding and serves more than 700,000 Oklahoma students. That responsibility requires steady leadership, sound decision-making, and the ability to execute – not political theater.
Yet in recent years, we’ve seen what happens when education becomes a battleground instead of a mission.
Political Instability Is Disrupting Oklahoma Classrooms
Policies shift from year to year.
Teachers are left trying to adapt to changing directives.
Parents feel uncertain about what’s happening in their child’s classroom.
And most importantly, students lose valuable time.
Research consistently shows that stability in school leadership is directly tied to better student outcomes. According to the Wallace Foundation, frequent leadership turnover and policy disruption can negatively impact teacher retention, school climate, and student achievement.
Similarly, a study highlighted in School Leadership & Management emphasizes that consistent leadership and clear direction are critical to improving district performance and rebuilding trust in public education systems.
Stable Leadership Leads to Stronger Student Outcomes
That’s not surprising to those of us who have actually led schools.
In my district, stability wasn’t just a goal – it was a commitment.
When teachers knew expectations would remain consistent, they could focus on teaching.
When parents trusted the system, they became partners.
And when students felt supported, they performed better.
That’s what real leadership looks like.
It doesn’t make headlines.
It doesn’t create controversy.
But it delivers results.
Oklahoma Ranks Near the Bottom in Education – and Students Are Paying the Price
We also have to be honest about where we stand today.
Oklahoma continues to rank near the bottom nationally in education outcomes. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only about one in five Oklahoma eighth graders reads at a proficient level, and math scores remain well below the national average.
Those numbers are not a reflection of our children or our teachers. They are a reflection of a system that has lost focus.
Oklahoma Families Don’t Need More Politics – They Need Results
We don’t need more rhetoric.
We don’t need more division.
And we certainly don’t need more politics.
A Clear Plan: Safe Schools, Strong Academics, and Restored Trust
We need leadership that understands how schools actually work.
- Safe and secure learning environments
- Strong academic foundations in reading and math
- Transparency and trust between parents and schools
- Respect and support for teachers as professionals
These aren’t partisan ideas. They’re common sense.
Proven Experience Matters in Oklahoma Education Leadership
Throughout my career, I’ve balanced budgets, supported educators, implemented curriculum, and worked directly with families. I’ve been accountable not to headlines, but to parents, students, and my community every single day.
That experience matters.
Because improving education isn’t about saying the right things – it’s about doing the right things, consistently, over time.
Oklahoma Voters Face a Clear Choice in 2026
Oklahoma has a choice to make.
We can continue down a path where education is driven by politics, instability, and distraction.
Or we can return to what works: steady, experienced leadership focused on results.
I believe our schools and our children deserve that.
And that’s exactly what I intend to deliver.
By Dr. John Cox
Candidate for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction