Representative Forrest Bennett, D-OKC, says it is unfair to ask Oklahoma teachers to repay their errant bonuses after being granted the bonus by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
The bonus program was created by the OSDE to incentivize teachers to return to the classroom and reward longtime educators. The bonus program came with a list of qualifications for the OSDE to confirm via an application before granting the bonuses that went up to $50,000.
“I know it’s hard to stay on top of every little thing happening at the department, especially when you spend so little of your time in your office, but to pin the blame on teachers, some of whom were encouraged by school supervisors who believed these teachers were eligible for the program, is beyond unfair,” Bennett said.
At least nine Oklahoma teachers received letters from the OSDE stating they need to repay their bonuses by the end of February.
“This follows a pattern of poor fiscal management by the State Superintendent,” Bennett said in reference to the GEER fund scandal. “It is clear to me that the mistakes made here came from the OSDE, and the OSDE should eat the cost,” Bennett said. “I figure it will taste a lot like humble pie.”
