Hofmeister Continues To Shape SDE Staff
New Oklahoma schools chief fires three more members of Janet Barresi’s staff
by Tim Willert
New state schools Superintendent Joy Hofmeister has fired two more key members of Janet Barresi’s leadership team, bringing to six the number of state Education Department executives and staff she has terminated since taking office Jan. 12.
A spokesman for Hofmeister on Tuesday confirmed the departure of Lisa Chandler, director of assessments, and Jeff Downs, executive director of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Also terminated was Liz Young, Barresi’s executive assistant, according to spokesman Phil Bacharach. Hofmeister has declined to comment on the personnel moves. It is also unknown how Hofmeister plans to fill the vacancies.
Of Young, Barresi said there “is no more dedicated and caring employee,” adding that she felt blessed to have someone of “her character and caliber assist me.”