State Superintendent.. Joy for Oklahoma Schools?

   Regular readers of this blog/column know that I've taken grief as of late because of questionable news postings concerning our State Superintendent of Instruction, Joy Hofmeister. The posts have been primarily "questionable" to Joy Hofmeister supporters only, but what they (Joy supporters) don't acknowledge is that I have also been a Hofmeister supporter - but primarily a "public school" supporter.
   The first news item which lends credence to the assertion that Hofmeister may not be what her supporters believe she is, from NonDoc: DA Prater on Joy Hofmeister Case: 'We're Not Done'. Prater indicates that although all charges have been dismissed, he may be gathering more evidence for additional felony charges. The second real news piece which alludes to Joy Hofmeister's real position on school consolidation is from the Norman Transcript in which she states "We have more than 530 (school) districts - I think that's too many districts."  The fourth article which many public school experts believe illustrate Hofmeister's true feelings concerning our public schools is Oklahoma Watch, in which she states that Seminole Public School patrons do not have confidence in their local school board - as a justification for the state board seizing control. Many Hofmeister supporters and observers believe she wants corporate public schools to control our local public schools, while others believe the Seminole debacle is an isolated case. The fifth and final news item is a "campaign article" in which Hofmeister champions a school voucher supporter (Tim Downing), in stating "I trust Tim Downing to bring meaningful solutions to the challenges we face in education, and not just colorful rhetoric. Tim will support our teachers and stand with parents to fight for what really matters in our schools, and that's the kids." Hofmeister believes the "colorful rhetoric" support of our teachers and students eminated from Downing's opponents in the 2016 House District 42 election -  democratic candidate Lysbeth George, a Blanchard Public School's board member and republican Jim Beckham, Blanchard's school superintendent and Downing's primary opponent in 2016. What is interesting to note, is that the campaign ad only appeared in three publications - The McCarville Report, The Flame, and the Blanchard News. Many political insiders believe it was a direct slam by Hofmeister at both George and Beckham, since their hometown newspaper is the Blanchard News and their public school is also Blanchard.
   While I believe Joy Hofmeister is a good person, I don't agree with her political position concerning our public schools. She has stated her political position concerning vouchers, school consolidation, and even the funding of corporate and private schools. I truly hope that our public school supporters can look at the facts, and don't criticize me for not supporting our state superintendent.