Oklahoma education secretary who succeeded Ryan Walters resigns after 3 months in the role

Nuria Martinez-Keel, The Oklahoman
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Gov. Kevin Stitt's education adviser resigned Tuesday after three months in the Cabinet position.

Katherine Curry, Ph.D., cited a desire to leave the political area and return to teaching at Oklahoma State University, where she is a professor of educational leadership and policy.

"I valued my time working alongside (Stitt) and the rest of his cabinet, but the complexity and political environment have led me to the conclusion that I can better serve Oklahoma’s students and future teachers by dedicating my time and energy to the classroom," Curry said in a statement. "I thank Governor Stitt for this honor and I trust that he will continue to fight for what’s best for students across Oklahoma."

The governor's education secretary, Katherine Curry, attends a signing ceremony for extra school funding and a tax credit program for homeschool and private-school families in the Blue Room at the state Capitol on May 25. Curry resigned from her role on the governor's Cabinet on Tuesday.
The governor's education secretary, Katherine Curry, attends a signing ceremony for extra school funding and a tax credit program for homeschool and private-school families in the Blue Room at the state Capitol on May 25. Curry resigned from her role on the governor's Cabinet on Tuesday.

Along with advising on education policy, the education secretary reviews expenses and rulemaking for 41 boards, agencies and commissions, including the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The secretary also leads the commissioners for the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, a state agency focusing on teacher preparation and performance.

More: Stitt replaces Walters as Cabinet pick for education secretary

When reached for comment Tuesday, Curry expressed "how much I appreciate Gov. Stitt and the resources, effort and energy he has put into education." She declined to elaborate further on the circumstances of her departure.

The governor's office said a search for Curry's successor will begin immediately.

"I deeply appreciated Dr. Curry’s service to Oklahoma and its students and families," Stitt said in a statement. "The insight she brought as an educator was invaluable. I wish her all the best as she departs this position and returns to the classroom at Oklahoma State University."

Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks with state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters at a May 25 education bill signing in the state Capitol Blue Room. Walters was Stitt's education secretary from 2020 until April, when the governor appointed Oklahoma State University professor Katherine Curry. Curry resigned from the post on Tuesday.
Gov. Kevin Stitt speaks with state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters at a May 25 education bill signing in the state Capitol Blue Room. Walters was Stitt's education secretary from 2020 until April, when the governor appointed Oklahoma State University professor Katherine Curry. Curry resigned from the post on Tuesday.

Katherine Curry, Ph.D., took on Cabinet role to replace Ryan Walters

Curry succeeded state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters as education secretary. Walters held the position from 2020 until April, three months into his tenure as the elected state superintendent.

At the time Curry was appointed, Senate confirmation for Walters' second term as education secretary appeared to stall, as Attorney General Gentner Drummond advised it would be illegal to hold both public offices. Some lawmakers and taxpayers voiced concerns over the fact that Walters drew two paychecks from the dual role — $40,000 a year as a member of the governor's Cabinet and a state superintendent's annual salary of $124,373.

Stitt never publicly explained why he replaced Walters with Curry. His spokesperson, Carly Atchison, said Stitt was "thrilled" with Walters' Cabinet service, and the state superintendent remained a close adviser to the governor.

Walters at the time said he and the governor had been "working to add someone to the team" for a while.

Reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel covers K-12 and higher education throughout the state of Oklahoma. Have a story idea for Nuria? She can be reached at nmartinez-keel@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @NuriaMKeel. Support Nuria’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's education adviser resigns after 3 months