Doctor Deb is done at DHS.
Deborah Shropshire’s resignation was announced on Tuesday. She was head of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, a post she’s held since January 2023. Shropshire, known as Doctor Deb, started at the agency in 2014, serving in several positions before being selected as the agency’s first woman director.
She also served as Gov. Kevin Stitt’s chief advisor, a job formerly known as secretary of health, renamed when it was determined that one person couldn’t hold a cabinet post while heading a state agency.
Shropshire has been under scrutiny over the case of 12-year-old Clayton Woolley, has been in DHS custody since 2018, after his 1-year-old brother, Elijah, died in Broken Arrow.
Family and friends — backed by the governor’s father, Rev. John Stitt, and two state lawmakers — held a press conference Friday in Tulsa to call out the state agency for its handling of the child’s care, the Tulsa World reported.
Shropshire was called to a meeting with the governor on Monday, the Oklahoman reported. Shropshire submitted her letter of resignation on Tuesday.
More worth reading:
Hiett Asks Supreme Court to Intercede
Embattled Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett told state Supreme Court justices that fellow commissioner Bob Anthony is trying to trample his rights and impede an investigation into Hiett’s conduct. He asked the Supreme Court to block Anthony from further interfering. Anthony said he is only seeking a legitimate, truly independent investigation. [KWTV]
Feds Criticize OSDE financial Controls
A federal performance review of the Oklahoma State Department of Education shows that U.S. officials — like state lawmakers — have serious questions about the spending practices within the state agency that’s headed by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. [The Oklahoman]
Price Tower Goes on Auction Block
The Price Tower in Bartlesville will be put up for public auction on Aug. 22, when the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed skyscraper will be officially placed on the Ten-X Commercial Real Estate Auction Platform. [Tulsa World]
Governor Called Meeting with Walters, Legislators
A quiet meeting was held at the Governor’s Mansion last week between Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and top Republican leaders. The meeting was likely sparked by a letter from Stitt’s education secretary, Nellie Sanders, who sent Walters a letter asking for information about the delayed funding for school resource safety officers and seeking answers. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma’s largest bird by length is the Trumpeter Swan at 72 inches.
Ciao for now,
Ted Streuli
Executive Director, Oklahoma Watch
tstreuli@oklahomawatch.org
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