**Oklahoma's Education Chief Proposes Major Shift in School Funding**

State Superintendent Ryan Walters unveiled his education budget proposal at his inaugural meeting as superintendent, signaling his intent to align Oklahoma's education system with forthcoming federal policy changes. In a memo disseminated to school superintendents across Oklahoma on Thursday, Walters emphasized the state's readiness to collaborate with the incoming Trump Administration to transition education funding to block grants.

Walters, an advocate for reducing federal involvement in local education, conveyed that his department is committed to "dismantling the federal government's decades of undue influence over public education." The proposal advances President-elect Donald Trump's campaign promise to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education.

The memo detailed five focal points where Walters believes Oklahoma schools will benefit: enhancing parental rights, ending what he referred to as social indoctrination in classrooms, instilling patriotism within the curriculum, mitigating the effects of illegal immigration on schools, and preventing foreign influence in education.

Walters assured that the state department is allocating resources to champion these priorities and to facilitate a smooth transition for schools amid the coming shifts in federal policy. This proactive stance aims to ensure that Oklahoma schools are well-prepared for the anticipated changes under the Trump Administration.