Former House speaker named to board

Governor Mary Fallin today announced she has nominated former Oklahoma House Speaker Todd Hiett to serve on the State Board of Career and Technology Education.

Hiett, of Kellyville, was the first Republican to serve as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives in more than 80 years. He served in the House from 1995 until 2007, and was speaker during his final two years in office after Republicans gained control in the 2004 elections.

His nomination requires Senate confirmation. Hiett, 46, will succeed Harold Anglin, of Pryor, who resigned.

Hiett will serve on an interim basis until confirmation; senators will take up his nomination during next year’s session, which begins Feb. 3. His term will expire April 1, 2015.

“Education is key to Oklahoma’s long-term prosperity,” Governor Fallin said. “Todd Hiett knows the importance of education to the future of Oklahoma. He will strive to ensure that our technology centers give students, including adult students, the skills they need to find and keep the high-skill jobs that are coming more often to Oklahoma.”

The State Board of Career and Technology Education oversees the state’s Career Tech system, which offers programs and services throughout nearly 400 public school districts, 29 technology centers. It has 57 campus sites as well as 16 skills centers in correctional facilities. Each technology center works closely with advisers from local industry to ensure that students learn the skills needed to be valued members of the workforce