For the second time since Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt removed Kurt Bollenbach from the state school board, he has announced a replacement.Former University of Oklahoma football player Trent Smith will serve as the Third Congressional District’s state school board member, pending legislative approval.
Late last year, Stitt tried to install homeschool mother and anti-mask advocate Melissa Crabtree on the state school board. An outspoken critic of masking in Enid, she was met with backlash from educators and health advocates and later withdrew herself from consideration.
Smith is likely a safer pick. He was a four-year starter and team captain at OU before graduating in 2002. Since then he has started several companies in the Oklahoma City area, and serves as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.
Smith will ultimately have to be confirmed by the state Senate. His nomination has been endorsed by Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat.
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