“While private schools continue to be enriched from a taxpayer-funded voucher scheme, Oklahoma’s public schools are forced to grapple with challenges imposed by the state Legislature,” said Fugate. “Today, lawmakers passed House Bill 1087, a measure that mandates BOTH teacher salary increases and an extended school year—yet provides funding for only one.
“Compounding the issue, Governor Stitt’s “Quarter and a Path” tax cut further reduces directly appropriated education funds, leaving public schools holding the bag for rising costs for food, utilities, insurance, and other essential needs. This is nothing more than a budget cut masked by an unfounded unfunded mandate.
“Despite claims of record funding, the Legislature’s actions fail to account for escalating expenses and the loss of critical federal supports, like lost school counselors. This pattern of financial neglect disproportionately affects students and educators across the state.
“Most troubling is the Legislature’s continued failure to address an ongoing crisis affecting Oklahoma classrooms: childhood trauma. Oklahoma’s children lead the nation in adverse childhood experiences, including poverty, divorce, food insecurity, abuse, neglect, addiction, and incarceration. Our kids are not okay, and the Republican majority refuses to do anything about it or even acknowledge it.
“What happens at home affects what happens in our classrooms and these problems will continue to fester under this year’s budget.
“Oklahoma’s families deserve fully funded policies that prioritize both student academic success and family well-being. It is time for our leaders to commit to meaningful investment in families, to ensure that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive.
“When we are no longer bottom ten in all major measures of family success, we will finally move out of bottom ten for educational outcomes.”
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