RECAP: Democrat State Superintendent Candidates Address Oklahoma Education Issues in Primary Debate

Two Democratic candidates for Oklahoma State Superintendent, Craig McVay and Dr. Jennettie Marshall, participated in a debate hosted by News 9, News On 6, and NonDoc on June 3 at the Embassy Suites in Norman. The event, titled *Education Equation*, coincided with the annual conference of the Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC), which sponsored the debate. McVay, who has visited all 77 Oklahoma counties, emphasized the need for systemic change in public education, citing a story about a young boy who translated for his family during an emergency as an example of education’s impact. He argued for smaller class sizes and better resources for teachers as his top priority. Marshall, a mother of three and grandmother of 12, highlighted her administrative experience in state agencies and her service on the Tulsa Public Schools Board. She stressed the importance of a cohesive State Department of Education to support schools effectively. When asked about Senate Bill 1788’s reading reforms, including mandatory third-grade retention for struggling readers, both candidates opposed the policy. McVay stated that third grade was too late to address reading deficiencies, advocating for earlier identification and support. Marshall agreed, calling for greater investment in early childhood education to prevent reading challenges before they arise. She also criticized the retention provision as punitive, urging a focus on foundational learning in daycare and preschool settings. The candidates also shared their summer reading recommendations: McVay brought *The Cat in the Hat* by Dr. Seuss, while Marshall promoted a book focused on early literacy development. The debate took place just two weeks before Oklahoma’s primary elections, where voters will decide the race for State Superintendent among other contests. A separate Republican debate is scheduled for June 2, hosted by the same media outlets. The Democratic debate marked the first major public forum for the candidates ahead of the ballot.