In 2024, Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters approved nearly $600,000 in bonuses for employees of the State Department of Education, raising eyebrows over the large payouts and the silence around certain high-value payments.
These end-of-year bonuses were given out in December, with most staff receiving an amount equal to 2.5% of their annual salary, averaging about $1,700 per person. However, a few employees received much larger sums, sparking concerns and questions from lawmakers and the public.
Bonuses Went to Top Officials and Close Associates
While many employees got modest bonuses, some top officials received thousands more. Notably:
Highest Bonus — Matt Langston
Chief Policy Advisor Matt Langston received almost $45,000 in January, according to state payroll data. This is $34,000 more than his regular monthly pay. The payment is listed under “regular pay,” so it’s unclear if this was a bonus, raise, or both.
Langston earned approximately $130,000 in 2024, although some months of payroll data are missing. He previously ran Walters’ 2022 election campaign and currently leads Engage Right, a political consulting firm based in Austin, Texas.
Despite Oklahoma’s requirement that state employees work in-state, Langston is still registered to vote in Texas, and questions remain about whether he lives and works in Oklahoma as required.
Lawmakers Raised Concerns Over Possible “Ghost Employee”
In mid-2024, a group of lawmakers asked Attorney General Gentner Drummond to investigate whether Langston was a “ghost employee” — someone paid by the state but not actually working.
Former House member Mark McBride, who led the call for the probe, warned this could be a misuse of public funds. However, the Attorney General declined to investigate.
Langston has not responded to media calls or emails about the issue. Press Secretary Grace Kim said the department does not comment on personnel matters.
Other Big Bonus Recipients
Other top officials also received much higher bonuses than the 2.5% average:
- Todd Loftin, Chief Academic Officer: Received $18,000 in December, and another $15,000 in July. His salary is $120,000/year.
- Lexi Flanagan, Walters’ executive assistant, and Brenda Beymer-Chapman, Director of Social Studies: Each received just over $9,000 — about 13% of their annual salaries.
- Marley Billingsley, Open Records Coordinator: Received nearly $9,000.
It’s worth noting that Superintendent Walters himself did not take a bonus, as his salary is set by law at $124,373 per year.
Future Bonus Plans and Salary Increases
In a December email to staff, Walters announced a new performance-based bonus program starting this year. This bonus system would be linked to annual performance reviews, with payouts expected in the following months.
Additionally, in his 2025 budget request to the Legislature, Walters asked for an extra $2.3 million to cover a 6% cost-of-living salary increase and rising benefit costs.
However, some senators questioned the request, noting that the department has fewer employees now. According to state records:
- In January 2023: The department had 520 employees
- As of January 2025: The number dropped to 387 employees
Despite the drop in staff, the department is still asking for more funding to support salary increases and bonuses.
While bonuses are not unusual in government offices, the large payouts to top associates, lack of transparency, and ongoing questions about job locations and duties have raised concerns across the state. With lawmakers and citizens demanding clarity, the Department of Education may soon face more public and legal scrutiny regarding how state money is being used.
Transparency and accountability in public spending are critical — especially when taxpayer money is involved.