House Democrats voted no on HB 2775, a bill that would fund rural and urban schools inequitably.
HB 2775 would allocate $300 million dollars to public schools, but large urban schools like Oklahoma City and Tulsa Public Schools would receive much less funding per student than rural schools.
“All schools, regardless of zip code, should be funded equitably. Large urban schools like Oklahoma City and Tulsa would receive around $60 per student while small, rural districts would receive a $400 dollar increase per student,” Rep. Fugate, D-Del City said.
Rep. Fugate said with recent economic growth and a $4 billion budget surplus, there is no reason to create funding gaps between rural, urban and suburban schools.
HB 2775 would also fund a $2500 pay increase for teachers only.
Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater said that while she agrees with the teacher pay raises, $2500 is simply not enough.
“We have the funds to raise our teacher pay to the regional average and really keep our teachers here in the state. We have the funds to pay support professionals and bus drivers. We have the funds to deliver core services directly into the classroom to support students. This bill is not equitable or fair and does not do enough,” Rep. Ranson said.
House Democratic Caucus Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City said the caucus looks forward to bi-partisan common sense solutions to increase education funding and raise pay for teachers, bus drivers and support professionals.
“We can do better. We will do better,” Rep. Munson said.
