Hofmeister Is New State Superintendent Of Education

The poll results are in, and voters have chosen Republican Joy Hofmeister as Oklahoma's new State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Hofmeister received 56 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat John Cox, who received 44 percent of the vote.

The race for Oklahoma's top educator is considered by many to be the most hotly contested office on the ballot Tuesday. The latest exclusive News 9 poll showed the race for state superintendent was neck and neck.

10/3/2014 Related Story: EXCLUSIVE POLL: Hofmeister, Cox Even Again In State School Superintendent Race

Hofmeister's experience is at the state level. She is a former public school teacher and was appointed to the State Board of Education in 2012.

Hofmeister defeated incumbent Janet Barresi and challenger Brian Kelly in the primary election back in June.

Cox won the Democratic primary for State Superintendent in August. His experience is at the local level. He is in his 21st year as a school superintendent in eastern Oklahoma and was a teacher before that. Cox also serves as an adjunct professor of education at Northeastern State University.

In an interview with News 9, Hofmeister laid out some of her ideas to improve Oklahoma's education system. She said the state has been in a crisis that can be resolved with a collaborative effort by parents, educators, administrators and lawmakers.

6/25/2014 Related Story:Joy Hofmeister Reviews Her Plan For Oklahoma Education

This, she said, would be key to her plan if she wins in November. Hofmeister also said the rollout of the "A-F" grading system has been a prime example of a good idea that was not implemented well.

Hofmeister explained that in her opinion, the system has not accurately measured performance in schools. She said she would retool the system with the help of experts, who have already studied the flaws in it.

Hofmeister applauded the recent repeal of Common Core, however, she said Oklahoma has to come up with a unique and rigorous set of academic standards that would work for the state.

Click here to view full election results.