In a Wednesday press conference, Stitt told reporters Walters’ proposed administrative rule to count undocumented students and families was one of the reasons behind the ousting. The board voted to send the administrative rules to the legislature at its last board meeting, but remaining board members Zach Archer and Sarah Lepak were not present.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond urged Gov. Stitt’s new State Board of Education appointees to act independently from the governor and Superintendent Ryan Walters, citing concerns over educational mismanagement and lack of transparency.