Lindel Fields to swear in as Oklahoma Superintendent, promises new era for schools

OKLAHOMA CITY –

A new era for Oklahoma’s education system will begin Tuesday at noon as Lindel Fields will officially take the oath of office as the state’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Governor Kevin Stitt will lead the swearing-in ceremony inside the Blue Room at the State Capitol, describing the move as the start of a “fresh chapter” for Oklahoma’s schools.

Fields, who replaces Ryan Walters, said his focus is on restoring stability and rebuilding trust across the state’s education system.

Setting a New Tone

Fields said his first goal is to “calm the waters” in Oklahoma education and foster collaboration among districts statewide. He has already begun meeting with district leaders and plans to hold regular briefings to share updates on key priorities.

Focus on Teachers and Students

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson praised Fields’ approach, saying his plans align with local and statewide needs.

“Superintendent Fields laid out his next set of expectations, which aligns right with Tulsa schools,” Johnson said. “He talked about making sure we have strong teachers in the classroom, that we close our teacher shortage, which is fantastic. He talked about postsecondary readiness and making sure that our young people are ready once they graduate and that they have opportunities.”

Early Priorities

Fields said his early initiatives will target literacy improvement, teacher recruitment, and preparing students for college and career opportunities after graduation.

Tuesday afternoon, he’s expected to introduce his new turnaround team and outline specific policy goals for the coming months.