Schools; modifying the minimum salary schedule for certified personnel. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The implementation of SB1313 should have a notable impact on state laws surrounding education funding and teacher compensation. By stipulating minimum salary amounts, the legislation empowers the State Board of Education to allocate funds to school districts effectively. This could help in reducing disparities in teacher pay across different districts, contributing to more equitable education environments. However, the bill also removes specific funding allocations that were required previously for certain districts to implement salary increases, which may have budgetary implications for those districts.
Summary
Senate Bill 1313 modifies the minimum salary schedule for certified personnel in Oklahoma's public schools. Specifically, it lays out the salary amounts for certified personnel starting from the school year of 2024-2025. The amendment adjusts the pay structures based on the years of experience and educational qualifications — including Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees — setting specific minimums for each category. This acts as a statutory update to ensure competitive salaries aimed at recruiting and retaining teachers in Oklahoma schools.
Contention
One potential point of contention surrounding SB1313 is the removal of certain language that specified funding allocations for technology center schools and correctional education facilities. Critics may argue that this change could lead to inequities, as some specialized educational institutions might struggle to meet the newly established salary minimums without dedicated funding. Additionally, there could be a debate about the adequacy of the proposed salary amounts, with advocates for teachers potentially calling for further increases.
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; providing certain stipends; modifying the Stat Aid fundin formula; effective date; emergency.
Water and water rights; creating the Oklahoma Regional Water District Act; requiring development and coordination of certain districts for promulgation of regional water plans. Effective date.
Teachers; directing deposit of certain Oklahoma Education Lottery Act proceeds into Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund; providing criteria for issuance of certain teaching certificates; 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.
Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; modifying membership of the Authority; modifying term length; modifying actions regarding removal of appointive members; prohibiting members from participating in certain votes; effective date.