State Supt. Ryan Walters Announces 'Trump Education Advisory Committee'

State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced Monday he would be forming a Trump Education Advisory Committee amid speculation by a Capitol Hill publication that he will be tapped as Education Secretary.

"President Trump has brought out a 10-point plan on education and we want to make sure that we are prepared to make sure all families have access or the ability to benefit from that plan so that's why we are moving as fast as we are," said Walters.

Related: Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Ryan Walters Pushes For Local Control Over Education Funding

Education Week covers education-related policy and has reported that Walters could be picked to run the U.S. Department of Education, although Trump has talked about eliminating the Department.

Walters did not directly answer the question of if he has been asked about the position, but said this:

"Look my focus has been on Oklahoma, so my focus has been to make sure Oklahomans get the best education possible and our state is positioned to be the most successful state in the country whether it comes to educational outcomes, whether it comes to future business growth, whether it comes to future quality of life. I want our kids to be ready for all of those things, so my focus has been on Oklahoma," said Walters.

The committee will have three main objectives, according to the press release:

1. Oversee federal policy changes: Serve as the central team to facilitate communication and implementation of incoming federal education reforms.
2. Execute reforms in a timely manner: Ensure that Oklahoma schools receive the resources and guidance necessary to swiftly implement these changes.
3. Develop recommendations for state education policies: Provide guidance on state legislation and policy adjustments that align with Trump’s broader education goals, including promoting local control and conservative values in education.

Meanwhile, Sen. Markwayne Mullin said on Monday that President-elect Donald Trump has not contacted him to offer him a cabinet position.

In a statement, Mullin said:

“The President has not visited with me about any cabinet position. I’m still celebrating America’s victory in putting President Trump back in office”.