Key Takeaways
Education Decline
Pay Raise Plan
Innovative Vision
Oklahoma’s education system is at a critical crossroads, and Leisa Mitchell Haynes is sounding the alarm. Under Governor Kevin Stitt and State School Superintendent Ryan Walters, our state’s education ranking has plummeted from 47th to 49th in the nation – a drop Leisa calls “absolutely unacceptable.”
As she campaigns for Governor in 2026, Leisa is determined to reverse this decline with a groundbreaking plan she believes will transform Oklahoma’s schools. While she’s keeping the specifics under wraps to protect her innovative ideas from being scooped by other candidates, Leisa’s passion for education and her commitment to Oklahoma’s teachers, students, and retirees is crystal clear.
A Call for Change: Addressing the Crisis
Leisa’s frustration isn’t just about numbers—it’s personal. She sees the toll this decline takes on Oklahoma’s kids, who deserve a world-class education, and on the educators who pour their hearts into classrooms every day. Right now, the average Oklahoma teacher earns around $60,000 a year, lagging far behind the national average of $71,000. That gap isn’t just a statistic; it’s a signal that we’re undervaluing the people shaping our future. Leisa’s response? A bold promise: when she’s Governor, teachers and support staff will see a $10,000 raise, and retired educators will receive a $5,000 boost. It’s a concrete step to honor their work and keep talent in Oklahoma’s classrooms.
A Vision Unveiled (Almost): Transforming Education
But Leisa’s vision goes beyond paychecks. She’s crafting a plan she says has “never been done”—a fresh approach to catapult Oklahoma’s education system into the top tier. While she’s holding the details close for now, she hints at a strategy that will rethink how we educate, support, and inspire the next generation.
It’s not about quick fixes or recycled ideas; it’s about bold, original thinking tailored to Oklahoma’s unique needs. Leisa knows that education isn’t just about rankings—it’s about giving every child a shot at a brighter future and every community a reason to stay strong.
To the people of Oklahoma, Leisa Mitchell Haynes offers more than promises—she offers determination. She’s not content to watch our state slip further behind. With her plan, she aims to bridge the pay gap, lift morale, and most importantly, deliver an education system we can all be proud of. “Our teachers deserve better, our kids deserve better, and Oklahoma deserves better,” she says.
As 2026 approaches, Leisa’s keeping her cards close, but one thing’s certain: her focus on education could be the game-changer our state has been waiting for. Stay tuned—because when Leisa’s ready to unveil her full vision, it’s going to shake things up.
