Oklahoma school associations oppose Barresi

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The leaders of two groups representing Oklahoma school administrators and suburban school districts are voicing their opposition to Republican state schools Superintendent Janet Barresi.

The directors of the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration and the United Suburban Schools Association released a joint statement Thursday declaring "no confidence" in Barresi.

Barresi campaign manager Robyn Matthews says it’s no surprise Barresi’s reform efforts are being opposed by those who Matthews says are "guarding their own kingdoms."

Barresi was elected during a Republican sweep of state offices in 2010, but has had a rocky first term that included highly publicized clashes with the state school board and resistance from local superintendents over several GOP-led education initiatives.

Two other Republicans and four Democrats also are running for the seat.