The Oklahoma Senate is set to vote on a $630 million education plan this week since the package was passed by Senate education policy and appropriations committees on Monday.
Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat says the measures contained in the dual bills have been vetted and are common sense reforms to Oklahoma education.
“This legislation is the result of a collaborative effort, countless hours of work, conversations with educators and input from every member of our caucus,” said Treat. “We have done exhaustive due diligence in putting this together. We believe targeted and meaningful investments are the only way to put our education system on a better trajectory. This package incorporates ideas from various members of the Senate – in addition to the reforms we have already passed out of the senate. This package is the largest, targeted investment in education in state history and it shows that the Senate is here to support our educators, school districts, students and families.”
The plan includes teacher pay raises, tax credits for private and home school instruction, funds to help school districts recruit teachers, and additional funds for the classroom. This sets the stage for negotiations between the House and Senate because of the major education package proposed by House Speaker Charles McCall and approved by the House earlier this session.
A breakdown of the Senate education plan is below.
Teacher Pay Raise – $248 million investment in state teachers
Each teacher will receive the following pay raise:
- $3,000 for zero to four years of service
- $4,000 for five to nine years of service
- $5,000 for 10 to 14 years of service
- $6,000 for 15 (+) years of service
School Choice – $100 million investment in school choice (including an income cap)
- Income cap at $250,000 per household for participation
- $7,500 tax credit for private schools
- $1,000 tax credit for homeschool families (receipts required)
Local Control – $30 million investment in qualitative pay by local school boards for raises for teachers who qualify based on criteria set by the school board
- Additional $216 million investment in the state aid formula
- Provide more money for Special needs students and their teachers
- Help economically disadvantaged students receive more opportunities
