Four Republican candidates address literacy, discipline, parental rights, and federal funding
ELGIN, Okla. (February 17, 2026) — Republican candidates for Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction outlined their education priorities Monday evening during a candidate forum hosted in Elgin by the Comanche County Republican Party and Brady County GOP.
The forum, held February 16 at the Elgin Performing Arts Center, featured:
- Dr. John Cox
- Rep. Toni Hasenbeck
- Sen. Adam Pugh
- Dr. James “JT” Taylor
Moderators guided candidates through prepared questions and audience submissions, covering literacy, social studies standards, teacher retention, student discipline, federal education funding, school consolidation, and the role of parents in public education.
The following recap reflects the discussion as it unfolded Monday night.
Social Studies Standards and Foundational Documents
Candidates were asked about revisions to Oklahoma’s social studies standards and whether foundational documents and references to Judeo-Christian influence should remain emphasized.
All four candidates expressed support for retaining instruction rooted in America’s founding documents.
Dr. Taylor advocated direct study of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
Rep. Hasenbeck referenced her use of historical Christian texts in classroom instruction and emphasized independent thinking.
Dr. Cox argued that Christian influences should not be diminished in education standards.
Sen. Pugh stated he had not reviewed final revisions but supported teaching historical truth and American exceptionalism.
Three-Year Vision for Oklahoma Education
Candidates were asked to define measurable success over the next three years.
Common themes included:
- Improved literacy and numeracy
- Stronger teacher morale
- Administrative efficiency
- Expanded career and technical education pathways
Dr. Taylor proposed shifting spending priorities toward instructional uses and increasing on-time graduation rates.
Sen. Pugh emphasized tone and leadership from the top.
Rep. Hasenbeck called for academic focus and transparency.
Dr. Cox highlighted reducing excessive testing and restoring teacher morale.
Third Grade Reading Proficiency
All candidates agreed that early literacy remains foundational.
Sen. Pugh emphasized intervention beginning in kindergarten.
Dr. Cox and Rep. Hasenbeck supported science-of-reading approaches and teacher training.
Dr. Taylor said legislative alignment is necessary to sustain gains.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
Candidates acknowledged workforce pressures facing Oklahoma schools.
Rep. Hasenbeck cited improvements in teacher pipeline programs.
Sen. Pugh noted workplace culture as a key retention factor.
Dr. Cox stressed supporting veteran educators.
Dr. Taylor highlighted financial incentives and administrative backing.
School Discipline and Student Walkouts
One of the more pointed discussions involved student civic engagement and recent school walkouts.
All candidates opposed walkouts during instructional hours.
Sen. Pugh stated he supported investigating allegations of teacher coercion related to protests.
Rep. Hasenbeck characterized in-school walkouts as truancy.
Dr. Taylor emphasized student safety.
Dr. Cox said promoting walkouts during school hours undermines attendance policies.
While supporting civic education, candidates generally agreed protest activity should not disrupt instructional time.
Parental Authority
All four candidates emphasized parental involvement.
Dr. Taylor described education as fundamentally parent-driven.
Sen. Pugh said family engagement is central to strong schools.
Rep. Hasenbeck described parents as primary decision-makers.
Dr. Cox emphasized curriculum transparency.
Federal Education Funding
Candidates were asked how Oklahoma would respond if federal education funding shifted to block grants.
Dr. Cox supported dissolving the federal Department of Education.
Rep. Hasenbeck said block grants could reduce federal testing mandates.
Sen. Pugh cautioned that state infrastructure adjustments would be necessary.
Dr. Taylor supported state control while acknowledging logistical challenges.
School Consolidation
On Oklahoma’s number of school districts:
Dr. Taylor expressed openness to consolidation for efficiency.
Dr. Cox argued savings are often overstated and warned about rural impacts.
Sen. Pugh emphasized local decision-making.
Rep. Hasenbeck suggested examining administrative layering.
Election Timeline
The Republican primary election for State Superintendent of Public Instruction is scheduled for June 16, 2026.
Here is a link to the Lawton Town Crier Wiki on the this forum. https://wiki.lawtontowncrier.org/books/2026/page/oklahoma-state-superintendent-candidate-forum-elgin-ok-feb-16-2026
Full video coverage of Monday night’s forum is available on the Lawton Town Crier YouTube channel, including both live-stream and higher-resolution archival versions.