Oklahoma Senate Bill SB517

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Students; directing certain governing boards to adopt a policy regarding continuing virtual education of certain students. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The proposed amendments to the law will impact policies regarding free attendance at public schools, particularly in relation to students who are dependents of military personnel. It will require school boards to adopt new policies that allow these students to continue their virtual education when they are transferred to military installations outside Oklahoma. This clause seeks to facilitate continuity in education for the children of military families, who may face frequent relocations, thereby lessening the educational disruption commonly experienced by these students.

Summary

Senate Bill 517 aims to amend existing legislation regarding student education in Oklahoma, particularly focusing on students enrolled in full-time virtual education programs. The bill directs the governing boards of specific schools to exempt certain students from tuition fees if they are part of a full-time virtual education program. This change acknowledges the financial burden tuition can impose on families, especially in the context of the increasing popularity of virtual learning options. By exempting students enrolled in these programs from tuition fees, the bill aims to ensure equitable access to education for all students, regardless of their economic background.

Contention

While the bill has the potential to make significant improvements in the accessibility of education for specific groups, it may also raise questions about the sustainability of funding for public education. Critics may argue that exempting students from tuition fees could strain school budgets, particularly for districts that are already underfunded. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of resources and support for virtual education, including the need for training and adequate curriculum for teachers involved in these programs. Ensuring that both virtual and in-person educational experiences are equitable remains a point of contention among stakeholders.