Hofmeister fires Barresi staff members

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – New state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister has fired three more of former Superintendent Janet Barresi’s staff.

Hofmeister spokesman Phil Bacharach told The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/1BEFtpj ) that director of assessments Lisa Chandler; director of science, technology, engineering and math Jeff Downs; and Barresi’s executive assistant, Liz Young, were fired.

Hofmeister has now fired six state Department of Education employees since taking office Jan. 12. Last Friday she fired Chief of Staff Joel Robison, Assistant Superintendent Richard Caram and Assistant Superintendent Marsha Thompson.

Hofmeister has declined comment on the personnel moves.

Hofmeister is a former state Board of Education member who won a three-person race last June for the Republican nomination to become state superintendent. Barresi finished third in the GOP primary.