School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
Impact
The implications of SB963 are substantial for the future of school financing in the state. By aligning State Aid allocations more closely with actual revenue and enrollment data, the bill aims to create a more equitable funding model. However, the inclusion of protested ad valorem tax revenues in budget requests may complicate the fiscal landscape for school districts, particularly those that face frequent tax protests. This change could lead to greater financial variability for some districts that rely heavily on property taxes.
Summary
Senate Bill 963 addresses the funding mechanism for public schools in Oklahoma by amending the calculation of State Aid. The bill modifies how State Aid allocations are determined for school districts, specifically starting from the 2024-2025 school year. The new formula will take into account the actual state revenue collected during the previous fiscal year as well as the adjusted assessed valuation and enrollment metrics for each school district. One significant aspect of the bill is its directive for the State Department of Education to include certain amounts from protested ad valorem tax revenues in its annual budget request, potentially impacting funding for affected districts.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding the bill include concerns over its potential effects on smaller or financially vulnerable school districts. Critics argue that the reliance on prior years' tax revenues may disadvantage districts suffering from reduced assessments due to successful tax protests or other financial hardships. Further, there are apprehensions about the adequacy of funding for essential programs in districts that experience fluctuations in tax revenues, as these changes may lead to unanticipated deficits in educational support.
Carry Over
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; adding definition for English Language Learner; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating State Aid; effective date; emergency.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; providing certain stipends; modifying the Stat Aid fundin formula; effective date; emergency.
Schools; State Aid; eliminating term; adding definition for English language learner; assessment; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating; effective date; emergency.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.
State employee health insurance; funding to provide flexible benefit allowance; professional risk management program; continuance of health and dental insurance benefits; rates and benefits; disability insurance program for state employees; collections; flexible benefit revolving fund; flexible benefit dollars in the State Employees Benefits Act; effective date.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.
Schools; modifying goals of certain programs; modifying eligibility for certain higher education programs; adding references to Classic Learning Test; effective date; emergency.
School funding; school district general funds; general fund carryover; State Aid; calculation of per pupil revenue; exceptions; effective date; emergency.