Stitt Rescinds School Board Member Appointment At Request Of Appointee

Governor Kevin Stitt has rescinded the appointment of former educator Melissa Crabtree to the Oklahoma State Board of Education at the request of Crabtree, the governor’s office said in a statement Monday.

Crabtree’s appointment was announced last week after Stitt removed Kurt Bollenbach from the board.

Some criticized Stitt’s choice. In a statement Monday the governor said in part that he “was extremely disappointed to see how many were so quick to judge her without taking the time to personally speak to her.”

Related: Governor Replaces State School Board Member With Former Educator, Mask-Mandate Opponent

Crabtree released the following statement:

“I am grateful to Governor Stitt for nominating me to serve on the Oklahoma State Board of Education and it is a tremendous honor to be considered. However, after careful consideration, I have determined that this is not the right opportunity for me to serve my state.” – Melissa Crabtree

See the governor’s full statement below:

 “I spoke with Melissa Crabtree today and she requested that I rescind her appointment to the Oklahoma State Board of Education. 

I was extremely disappointed to see how many were so quick to judge her without taking the time to personally speak to her. 

Ms. Crabtree is a loving mother and wife, and her public school teaching experience and work with special needs children would have been valuable assets to our state. 

However, it’s become clear that Democrats and unions only value the voices of teachers when they are willing to fall in line with their political agendas. 

That being said, I respect her decision and will rescind her nomination. We will reopen the search process and identify a new appointee as soon as possible.” – Governor Kevin Stitt