Oklahoma Will Hold Superintendent Election on November 3
Candidates Robert Franklin and Jennettie Marshall vie for the state Superintendent of Public Instruction role.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Primary Education
Live Poll
Should your state increase teacher pay to improve the quality of local schools?
Oklahoma voters will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to elect a new Superintendent of Public Instruction. The upcoming election features candidates Robert Franklin and Jennettie Marshall competing for the state leadership position.
Why it matters
The election centers on efforts to improve Oklahoma education outcomes and national rankings amid concerns regarding current proficiency rates and teacher compensation. Candidates are offering distinct platforms to address systemic challenges facing the state.
Oklahoma reports an average starting teacher salary of $41,294, trailing regional neighbors like Texas at $49,465, Arkansas at $50,076, and New Mexico at $54,372.
The players
Robert Franklin
He is a candidate for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction who proposes shifting internal system funds to increase teacher compensation.
Jennettie Marshall
She is a candidate for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction running on a six-pillar plan for education reform.
The details
Robert Franklin advocates for finding internal savings to redirect funding toward teacher pay increases. Meanwhile, Jennettie Marshall proposes a six-pillar strategy centered on quality learning standards, data-driven decisions, and relationship building.
Timeline
2024 NAEP reports recorded 23% and 20% proficiency in reading.
2025 State Department of Education data showed 27% proficiency.
October 9, 2026, is the deadline to register to vote.
November 3, 2026, is the general election date for Superintendent.
Culture Shift
This election reflects a broader regional push to address teacher compensation gaps compared to neighboring states. It highlights the shift toward using standardized data, such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, to drive local education policy.
Voters must register by October 9, 2026, to participate in the selection of the official responsible for state education standards. The outcome of this race will directly influence future initiatives regarding classroom teacher pay and academic curriculum requirements.
The takeaway
Voters should review candidate platforms to understand how each leader plans to address the gap between Oklahoma's teacher salaries and those in surrounding states. Assessing the proposed changes to funding and learning standards is essential for informed participation in the November election.
Further reading
For more on the state of local schooling, visit the Primary Education section.
Live Poll
Should your state increase teacher pay to improve the quality of local schools?
