Joy Hofmeister
FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2020, file photo, Oklahoma Commissioner of Health, Dr. Lance Frye speaks during a press conference in Oklahoma City, Okla. Oklahoma opened its second phase of coronavirus vaccinations on Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, providing inoculations to public school teachers and staff and to adults of any age with illnesses that make them susceptible to the virus. (Chris Landsberger/The Oklahoman via AP)
Oklahoma expanding vaccine access to teachers, school staff

Feb. 22, 2021 01:58 PM EST

A medical worker prepares a shot of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in a local rural medical post in the village of Ikhala in Russia’s Karelia region, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021. Russia took pride in being the first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine, although it faced criticism from aboard for doing it before completing the advanced testing necessary to ensure Sputnik V’s safety and effectiveness. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
The Latest: Mexico receives shipment of Sputnik V vaccine

By The Associated Press Feb. 22, 2021 04:25 AM EST

FILE - In this May 16, 2019, file photo, Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, speaks during a news conference accompanied by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, in Oklahoma City. Some Oklahoma educators oppose Gov. Stitt's waiver of a mandatory quarantine for public school students, teachers and staff who are exposed to the coronavirus in schools that have a mask mandate. A spokesperson for Hofmeister said Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, that Hofmeister did not know about Stitt's plan and was not asked for input. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki File)
Oklahoma educators push back on governor's virus waiver

By Ken Miller Jan. 13, 2021 02:22 PM EST

Oklahoma school report cards suspended, student tests go on

Dec. 18, 2020 09:21 AM EST
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Board of Education has suspended the state’s school report cards, but will continue with year-end testing of students. ...

Oklahoma Gov. State speaks during a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020, in Oklahoma City. Stitt and hospital officials in Oklahoma City joined in a news conference to, as Stitt said, plead with residents to voluntarily socially distance, wash hands and wear face masks, but he again said he would not issue a statewide mask mandate. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
White House task force: COVID in Oklahoma is 'unyielding'

By Ken Miller Nov. 12, 2020 12:02 PM EST

FILE - In this March 16, 2020 file photo, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister speaks during an emergency meeting of the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a COVID-19 response plan on Thursday, July 23, 2020, for actions local districts should take to slow the spread of coronavirus, but narrowly voted to make the plan optional instead of mandatory. (Chris Landsberger/The Oklahoman via AP, File)
Billboards support statewide school mask mandate in Oklahoma

Oct. 31, 2020 12:18 PM EDT

Coronavirus testing plan developed for Oklahoma teachers

Aug. 21, 2020 11:53 AM EDT
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma State Department of Health and the state Department of Education jointly announced on Friday the development of a plan for...

Dr. Deborah Birx, the coordinator of the White House's coronavirus task force, meets with local media Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020, at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan., to talk about ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the area. (Chris Ochsner/The Kansas City Star via AP)
In Oklahoma visit, Birx continues to push for wearing masks

Aug. 16, 2020 12:43 PM EDT

FILE - In this March 16, 2020 file photo, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister speaks during an emergency meeting of the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved a COVID-19 response plan on Thursday, July 23, 2020, for actions local districts should take to slow the spread of coronavirus, but narrowly voted to make the plan optional instead of mandatory. (Chris Landsberger/The Oklahoman via AP, File)
Oklahoma education board OKs safety plan, makes it optional

By Sean Murphy Jul. 23, 2020 02:48 PM EDT

FILE - In this May 16, 2019 file photo, Joy Hofmeister, Oklahoma's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, speaks during a news conference accompanied by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, left, in Oklahoma City. Public schools in Oklahoma will be closed through at least April 6 as the state scrambles to contain the spread of the coronavirus, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister said Monday March, 16, 2020. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki File)
Indoor gathering warning in Tulsa ahead of Trump rally

By Ken Miller Jun. 12, 2020 12:32 PM EDT

A heath worker takes a nasal swab sample during a public testing for the new coronavirus conducted at a market in Bali, Indonesia on Friday, June 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)
The Latest: South Korea capital adds more coronavirus cases

By The Associated Press Jun. 12, 2020 01:23 AM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2019, file photo, Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga poses during an NCAA college football media day in Stillwater Okla. Oklahoma State University officials said Wednesday, June 3, 2020, that three returning student-athletes have tested positive for COVID-19 although they were not showing symptoms. Among them is OSU linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, who said on Twitter he tested positive for the virus after he attended a protest in Tulsa. The 21-year-old Ogbongbemiga says he protected himself during the protest. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Oklahoma schools reopening plan recommends wearing masks

By Sean Murphy Jun. 03, 2020 02:39 PM EDT

FILE - In this Thursday, April 9, 2020 file photo, a woman holds a sign in the parking lot of Integris Baptist Medical Center during a "Headlights for Hope" event in Oklahoma City, in a show of support for healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Integris Health is beginning to allow limited visitation to patients as Oklahoma continues to reopen in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Saturday classes for Oklahoma schools in case of 2nd surge

By Ken Miller May. 28, 2020 01:03 PM EDT