Leaders of the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee today unveiled a comprehensive package of education initiatives introduced for the upcoming legislative session aimed at strengthening schools, supporting teachers and staff, equipping students for success and empowering parents. Oklahoma Senate Education Committee Chairman Senator Adam Pugh and Education Committee Vice Chair Senator Ally Seifried outlined their priorities for enhancing K-12 education during a press conference held at the state Capitol Thursday.Pugh’s priorities for the upcoming session include enhanced literacy initiatives and reading intervention, teacher recruitment and retention, extension of school security funds, expanded opportunities for fitness, play and recess, as well as initiatives to offer additional benefits and professional development opportunities for teachers.“The policy priorities announced today are the culmination of hundreds of hours of work and meeting with teachers, schools and parents,” Pugh, R-Edmond, said. “We have laid out a comprehensive roadmap for success that focuses on strengthening education at every level. We want to ensure students gain the skills, knowledge and foundation they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. We also have to focus on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest, while incentivizing them to stay teaching in the classroom. These measures will achieve these goals and more.”2026 marks the fourth year Chairman Pugh has collaborated with members of the Senate Education Committee and Oklahoma educators to craft a robust education plan that addresses the needs of school districts across the state.Vice Chair Seifried has been a key contributor to the annual education package, championing policies that prioritize students and educators. Her policy agenda for the 2026 session outlines proposals to implement permanent cell phone restrictions in schools, prioritize recess for young students and enhance math education.“This slate of legislation puts students first,” Seifried, R-Claremore, said. “Getting cellphones out of our schools has been an overwhelming success. We’re making this policy permanent at the request of parents, teachers and education groups across the state who already see the benefits in every school. These bills also create a support system to help kids struggling in math and prioritize the healthy development of young students by ensuring they have dedicated time to run and play during the school day.”The measures introduced by Senators Pugh and Seifried will be eligible for consideration during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Feb. 2. To learn more about the senators’ education bills, click here.
