(Enid, OK) An Enid woman on Monday asked Oklahoma’s governor Kevin Stitt to rescind his nomination for her to serve on the state’s top public school board.
Melissa Crabtree was chosen after Stitt abruptly announced, with no explanation, that Kurt Bollenbach, who held a position with the State Board of Education, was relieved of his duties.
In a statement to the public, Crabtree said she was grateful to the Republican governor for nominating her. Gov. Stitt said he respects Crabtree’s decision and will rescind her nomination to serve on the State Board.
Public school parents and teachers said more than 800 Oklahomans had written letters to Gov. Stitt, by Monday afternoon, urging him to rescind Crabtree’s nomination.
Spokeswoman for Oklahoma Parent Legislative Action Committee, Erin Brewer, said Gov. Stitt selected someone to serve on the State Board of Education who had no experience with the state’s public education system.
Last week, Gov. Stitt immediately appointed Crabtree to serve until April 2023, pending Senate approval next year. Gov. Stitt said he’d reopen the search process and identify another appointee as soon as possible.
