Robert Franklin, 66, a hall of fame Oklahoma educator, is running for state superintendent, citing his extensive experience in public education.
Franklin, of Sand Springs, is one of seven Republicans competing in the June 16 primary election for the position, which oversees the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the state’s top school board.
Franklin spent 44 years as a special education teacher, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent in Sand Springs Public Schools. He then served 15 years as an administrator at Tulsa Technology Center.
Since retiring from the CareerTech center, Franklin—inducted into the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame in 2024—has taught master’s and doctoral courses on educational leadership at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. He and his wife also provide childcare for their grandchildren, who attend public schools.
Board Experience and Policy Views
Franklin served six years on the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board, including four years as chair, overseeing online-based charter schools. He was one of two board members to vote against permitting a religious charter school in the state.
Emphasizing public education as a cornerstone of democracy and a community connector, Franklin noted that the current workforce is “in peril.” He said a persistent teacher shortage has forced districts to rely increasingly on untrained educators, presenting what he views as the greatest challenge facing Oklahoma schools today.
Education Priorities
Franklin suggested that the first step toward improvement is leadership that supports rather than castigates educators, a critique aimed at former state superintendent Ryan Walters.
He advocated for lowering class sizes and adding specialists to address behavioral issues, particularly in early elementary grades, to create a “totally different dynamic” for teachers.
To strengthen the teacher pipeline, Franklin proposed expanding internship programs for high school students interested in education, offering scholarships for education majors, and providing tax incentives for teachers.
If elected, he pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders, including tribal nations and higher education institutions, to develop further solutions.
Franklin also criticized Oklahoma’s new law requiring struggling third graders to repeat the grade, calling it “an overreach.” “Until we can sustain our workforce and get our teachers the support that they need regarding behavioral interventions and specialists, we will not achieve what the legislative mandate is hoping,” he said.
Election Field
Franklin’s Republican challengers include Peggs Public Schools Superintendent John Cox, William Crozier, state Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, Southern Nazarene University senior research analyst Debra Herlihy, state Sen. Adam Pugh, and high school teacher James Taylor.
Two Democrats, former Tulsa Board of Education member Jennettie Marshall and retired El Reno Public Schools Superintendent Craig McVay, round out the nine-candidate field.
Former Republican Superintendent Ryan Walters did not seek a second term, resigning early on September 30 to lead an anti-teacher-union nonprofit. Lindel Fields, appointed to complete Walters’ term, also kept his promise not to run in the 2026 election.
