Oklahoma's House budget subcommittee has approved a bill mandating that at least 60 percent of public-school funding be allocated to classroom expenses. The legislation, despite opposition from school boards, aims to prioritize teacher compensation and student instruction. With the goal of enhancing educational outcomes, the bill seeks to ensure more resources are directed toward direct teaching activities, aligning with national averages and addressing concerns about administrative spending.

Advocating for Educational Investment

The proposed legislation, championed by Rep. Chad Caldwell, mandates that no less than 60 percent of each school district’s annual budget must be spent on instructional activities starting from the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to refocus financial priorities on teachers and students, emphasizing the quality of education over administrative overhead. Caldwell highlighted that many districts already meet or exceed this threshold, but over 150 districts spend less than half their funds on classroom instruction, indicating a significant need for reform.

Caldwell argued that increasing the share of funds dedicated to classrooms would lead to higher teacher salaries and improved educational outcomes. He pointed out that while some districts have increased per-pupil funding, the allocation of these resources often does not reflect the intended purpose of enhancing classroom instruction. For instance, the Oklahoma City school district, despite having above-average per-pupil funding, spends less than 48 percent on instruction. The lawmaker also noted that even if schools achieve the 60-percent target, they would still lag behind the national average of 62 percent, underscoring the necessity for change.

Controversy and Opposition

The bill faced resistance from organizations like the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA), which argued that it would infringe on local control and restrict school boards' ability to allocate funds based on specific needs. Critics, including some lawmakers, expressed concerns that nearly half of the schools would be required to raise teacher salaries, potentially straining budgets. However, supporters countered that questioning current spending practices is crucial, especially given the disproportionate growth in administrative positions compared to teaching staff.

Despite OSSBA's claims that Oklahoma lags in per-pupil spending, data from the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System reveals that the state's per-pupil revenue has significantly increased since 2017-2018, surpassing neighboring states and even exceeding private school tuition costs. Yet, academic performance metrics, such as ACT scores and NAEP results, have declined, raising questions about the effectiveness of current funding allocations. Ultimately, the bill passed the subcommittee with a 6-4 vote, signaling a shift towards prioritizing classroom expenditures in Oklahoma's educational landscape.