Summary:

– Lindel Fields replaces Ryan Walters as state superintendent .

– Stitt unveils “turnaround team” to reform education department.

– State audit will review Walters’ financial management.

TULSA — While announcing wholesale changes at the Oklahoma State Department of Education , Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed a retired CareerTech administrator to lead the agency along with a “turnaround team” of officials from across the state.

Lindel Fields is Stitt’s choice to lead that turnaround as state superintendent, replacing Ryan Walters who resigned from the position on Tuesday. Fields, of Tulsa, said he will step into the role with the aim of “steadying the ship” at the Education Department, which had a tumultuous 33 months with Walters in charge.

“We’ll lead with honesty

See Full Page