It’s the second time this year the board has canceled a meeting.
Two weeks ago, the Tulsa World first reported the law firm that supplied the State Board of Education’s general counsel, Norman Wohlgemuth, withdrew its attorney, Chad Kutmas.
That came after several state board members requested State Attorney General Gentner Drummond pull approval for Kutmas, citing Kutmas’ repeated siding with State Superintendent Ryan Walters.
Board members have voiced opposition to several issues, including whether members can place items on meeting agendas or call special meetings.
Oklahoma State Department of Education spokesperson Quinton Hitchcock confirmed to StateImpact the reason for the cancellation was due to the “transitioning staff and legal team.”
“There are several big items facing Oklahoma education, and we want to make sure that the board meetings are conducted properly and efficiently,” Hitchcock said.
The board can use an OSDE attorney, one from the attorney general’s office or a private attorney approved by the office.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 25.
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.
