Three hundred-thirty brick-and-mortar public schools are sharing in $38.5 million in funding thanks to the Redbud School Funding Grants program created by the Legislature last year. Representative Kyle Hilbert and Senator John Michael Montgomery were the authors of Senate Bill 229, meant to close the funding gap for schools that receive below average funding from local tax revenue.
“This was common sense legislation that creates parity for districts where tax valuations are lesser than in others,” Hilbert said. “Students in these districts have the same needs as in all others, whether in textbooks, technology, other classroom materials or quality programs that help further their education and prepare them for life beyond the classroom.”
Montgomery agrees.
“The Redbud School Funding Act was a historic step for funding education in our state, and I’m excited these dollars are finally being awarded to our schools,” Montgomery said. “Ensuring all of Oklahoma’s children have access to a high-quality education is a priority of mine, and I’ll continue to work to find outside-of-the-box solutions to bolster our schools in the future. I appreciate Rep. Hilbert’s work in the House to make sure this measure crossed the finish line.”
The funding was created through medical marijuana taxes and the Common School Building Equalization Fund.
Another round of funding will be given to qualifying schools this summer.
