Like Her Or Not, Everyone Has An Opinion About Barresi
State Superintendent Janet Barresi’s controversial style both loved and hated
BY ANDREA EGER World Staff Writer
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Champions and critics of Janet Barresi give dramatically differing accounts of the state’s superintendent of schools.
Those in her inner circle say she’s misunderstood, that she’s fighting for change because she truly cares about children. But those on the outside say they’re treated as adversaries and that she’s simply not interested in finding common ground.
In more than a dozen interviews with educators, friends, lawmakers and other constituents, one thing they all agree on is why this first-time public official has fast become one of the most controversial figures in all of Oklahoma politics – it’s not just what she’s trying to accomplish, but how.
Barresi declined to be interviewed for this story. Her spokeswoman at the Oklahoma State Department of Education said she is unhappy with the coverage she has received in the Tulsa World.
“We appreciate the offer. I just don’t think we want to do that at this juncture,” said Sherry Fair.