Oklahoma’s new state superintendent lays out vision for next 15 months in office

Summary:

– Lindel Fields sworn in as Oklahoma state superintendent to finish Ryan Walters ‘ term.

– He brings a turnaround team to review finances, staffing and programs.

– Priorities include teacher recruitment, student literacy , career pathways and state testing.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma’s newly sworn-in state superintendent said he intends his brief 15 months in office to be “more than just a stopgap.”

The coming days and weeks for Lindel Fields, who took the oath of office Tuesday, will center on rebuilding communication and relationships across the state, particularly with educators, families, news media and state officials, including his own employees at the Oklahoma State Department of Education . That will involve a listening tour across Oklahoma, he said.

Fields,