Senator Carri Hicks

 OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after Monday’s vote by the Oklahoma Senate to confirm Trent Smith to the Oklahoma State Board of Education.

“The governor’s nominee for the State Board of Education stated at his confirmation hearing that his top priority is to bring competition among schools through the continued emphasis on school choice. Oklahoma is already one of the most expansive states on school choice, using $12.1 million of public funds during the past year to subsidize private schools with no accountability or oversight.

“I am concerned this nominee will not prioritize the 700,000 families and students in Oklahoma who choose public schools but is looking to undermine the collaboration in the public school system that is essential for our students to reach their fullest potential. We know we need more equitable solutions and stronger supports for our students, not less. For these reasons, I am not able to support the confirmation of Mr. Smith.”

For more information, contact Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or email [email protected]