Ryan Walters supports eliminating U.S. Department of Education, move toward block grants

OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) - Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters sent a memo on Thursday, Nov. 7, detailing how he believes eliminating the U.S. Department of Education would improve public education.

"The federal government has hijacked our education system, using taxpayer dollars to impose harmful policies and control what is taught in our schools," the memo started.

Within the memo, Walters listed five priorities he wants championed as, ".... we prepare for important and impactful changes to public education policy in the coming months...."

Championing Parental Rights

Ending Social Indoctrination in Classroom

Protecting Patriotism in Curriculum

Stopping Illegal Immigration's Impact on Schools

Blocking Foreign Influence in Our Schools

Walters states the Oklahoma State Department of Education will be directing their resources to make sure the above priorities are supported to make sure the state's schools can adapt to possible changes.

The state superintendent also mentioned how the federal government moving toward the use of more block grants could allow states to take back educational authority.

Block grants are federal government grants sent to local and state governments for board purposes. These types of grants allow for flexibility in use, allowing state governments to disperse funds with more ease with less federal auditing and rules on where and what the grant can be used for.

Critics of block grant use say less federal oversight could lead to misappropriation of funds by state and local officials.

Categorical grants in contrast have to be used for more specific purposes and the federal government will audit its use to ensure compliance.

You can read the memo in full, below: