In just two weeks, Oklahomans will take to the polls to place their vote for several races in the state’s primary elections.

Two Democratic candidates for Oklahoma state superintendent met Wednesday night to provide their vision for Oklahoma schools. News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc hosted “Education Equation” at the Embassy Suites in Norman, giving the candidates a chance to address key educational issues.

The debate participants were:

Wednesday night’s debate also helped kick off the annual conference for the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, which is dedicated to driving transformation and increased academic achievement in state schools. OPSRC is the presenting sponsor of tonight’s debate, and we are grateful for their support.

Republican Debate Recap

News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc will hosted the Republican primary debate on Tuesday June 2nd.

Debate Recap and Highlights (Watch Full Debate Above)

Opening Statements

Craig McVay opened by readiing about a young boy who was able to translate for his family when they needed help from EMSA after a storm and said it showed the power of education for that young boy. He said he has visited all 77 Oklahoma counties and spoken with superintendents and school leaders in each one. McVay said what he continues to hear is that Oklahoma needs to change the conversation in order to change the direction of public education. He said the state needs an experienced leader who is qualified and certified.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall said she is the mother of three children, grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of three. She said she has worked for both the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, experiences she believes helped prepare her administratively for the role. Marshall is a graduate of Tulsa Community College, Langston University, Southern Nazarene University and Integrity Seminary. She described herself as a lifelong learner and noted that she has served on the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education.

“What is the No. 1 Priority for Oklahoma’s next State Superintendent?”

Mr. McVay said his top priority is ensuring teachers have the resources they need and manageable class sizes to help them succeed.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall said the top priority is cleaning up the Oklahoma State Department of Education and ensuring it functions cohesively so it can properly support teachers and schools.

“What qualities make a good educator and what qualities make a good administrator? “

Mr. McVay pointed to teachers in attendance whom he has worked with over the years and credited them as models for others. As for administrators, he said the most important quality is presence, arguing they must be active and engaged in every aspect of their schools.

Dr. Marshall said a good educator must have a “heart to teach” and a genuine commitment to working with students. She said good administrators must understand teaching and be able to put systems in place that empower both students and educators.

“Do you support Senate Bill 1788’s reading reforms, which include the re-implementation of strict grade-level retention for those who are behind?”

McVay said he does not support the retention requirement because third grade is too late to identify and address reading deficiencies. He said schools need to identify struggling readers earlier and provide support as soon as possible.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes the retention provision for similar reasons. She said reading challenges must be addressed before third grade and that retention should not be punitive. Marshall also called for greater investment in early childhood education and daycare centers so they can serve as educational foundations rather than simply child care providers.

“We asked each candidate to bring a book with them that you would recommend for students’ summer reading lists.”

Craig McVay brought “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. He also recommended “The Cost of Politics in Public Education” by Leon Phillip for Oklahoma voters.

Dr. Jennettie Marshall brought “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. She said the book sends a message to Oklahoma students that they have a bright future ahead of them.

Related Story:

Local Non Profit Works To Help Kids Overcome Summertime Reading Slump

“Yes or No, would you want to restore a public comment period at OSBE meetings? 6″

Both Participants answered yes.

“If you become state superintendent, would you support efforts to add more licensed mental health counselors in schools, and would you include School Counselor Corps funding in your first budget request to the Oklahoma Legislature? Why or why not?”

Mr. McVay said he would advocate for restoring School Counselor Corps funding. He said that on his first day in office, he would submit a budget request to increase counselor funding and argued that no counselor should be responsible for more than 200 students.

Dr. Marshall said she supports directing additional funding to schools for licensed counselors. She said she has seen firsthand the impact counselors can have by helping students process trauma and address mental health challenges before situations escalate. She also discussed creating Parenting Academies to help parents remain engaged in their children’s education.

What policies or strategies would you push for to combat absenteeism? And how do you measure success?

McVay said chronic absenteeism is a difficult issue to address, but expanding access to counselors and school resource officers could help. He said some students face complex challenges, including health issues and difficult home situations, while others may not be properly accounted for. He said all of those issues need attention.

Dr. Marshall said schools must address the needs of families. She pointed to parents working multiple jobs, mental health challenges and unemployment as factors that can affect student attendance.

“As state superintendent, where you draw the line between state oversight and local control?”

Craig McVay said balancing local control ultimately comes down to state law. He cited the debate over instructional hours versus school days as an example. He noted that severe weather events have historically disrupted school schedules, while the state Department of Education remained focused on testing requirements. He said lawmakers addressed that issue by requiring schools to complete 1,080 instructional hours, giving districts flexibility in determining how to meet that requirement.

Dr. Marshall said she approved curriculum during her time as a school board member and believes those decisions should remain with local school districts.

“Do you agree with the decision to have longer school calendars with more days? Why or why not?”

Related Story: New law will mean more classroom time for Oklahoma students

McVay said he supports students spending more time in school but believes teachers and support staff should be compensated for the additional work. He expressed concern about the financial burden additional school days could place on smaller districts with limited budgets.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes adding more days to the school calendar, calling it a temporary fix that could create additional challenges. She said schools already struggle to hire support staff such as bus drivers and custodians and questioned how districts would pay those employees for extra days. She added that she might support the change if additional funding is provided.

“Four years ago, Oklahoma voters elected Ryan Walters to be state superintendent. His tenure was tumultuous, to say the least, and he resigned early to take a think tank job trying to dismantle teachers’ unions.

What did Mr. Walters do well as state superintendent that you would emulate, and what did he do poorly that you would not?”

McVay responded, “hell no,” when asked whether he would emulate Ryan Walters. He said Walters did nothing positive and instead focused on promoting himself and securing another job.

Dr. Marshall said there is nothing Walters did that she would seek to emulate. She said he was effective at disrupting public education but argued that no future superintendent should follow that example.

Related Story: Supt. Ryan Walters announces resignation

“What was your reaction to Mr. Mazzei’s saying Oklahoma schools or school unions are led by “radical socialists,” and have you decided whom you are supporting for governor?”

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McVay said his reaction was similar to that of many Oklahoma school superintendents, whom he described as generally conservative or center-right. He said educators want what is best for their students and districts and argued that Mazzei’s comments resemble rhetoric frequently directed at educators during Ryan Walters’ tenure. McVay said he supports Cyndi Munson for governor.

Dr. Marshall said she opposes labeling people and argued that Oklahoma’s school leaders are committed to improving student outcomes and caring for children. She said such comments distract from the work of helping educators and students. Marshall said she supports Sen. Connie Johnson for governor.

Closing Statement Watch Below