Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1366

Introduced
2/5/24  

Caption

School district boards of education; modifying terms of office for chair and board members; establishing limit on terms of office. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill modifies existing sections within Oklahoma education law - specifically 70 O.S. 2021, Sections 5-107A and 5-107B, which detail election processes and term structures for school board members. If enacted, these changes would impact not only how long individuals can serve but also how boards elect their chairs and manage transitions of power. The effective date of the amendments is set for July 1, 2024, with an emergency declared for immediate implementation upon passage, reflecting urgency in addressing these governance issues.

Summary

Senate Bill 1366, introduced by Senator Kristen Thompson, seeks to amend the provisions governing the election and terms of office for members of school district boards of education in Oklahoma. One of the key aspects of this bill is the establishment of a limit on the number of terms a board member may serve, which will be capped at six terms for board members serving after the effective date of the act. This proposal aims to introduce more periodic turnover on school boards, promoting fresh perspectives and reducing potential stagnancy in leadership roles.

Contention

While the measure is anticipated to drive changes towards effective governance in local education systems, several points of contention could arise during discussions. Supporters of term limits argue it would enhance accountability and ensure that boards better reflect the communities they serve by facilitating the entry of new members. However, opponents might express concerns over the destabilizing effect that frequent turnover could have on board cohesion and institutional knowledge, which are critical for effective decision-making and governance in educational settings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB1026

School district boards of education; modifying term of office of members and chairs; limiting number of terms. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB237

Boards of education; modifying term of office of school district and technology center school district board of education members. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1823

Elections; municipal elections; modifying dates; school districts and board of education; modifying terms; continuing education requirements; effective date.

OK HB1903

Schools; State Board of Education; modifying membership of the Board; requiring five-year terms for certain members; effective date.

OK HB2562

Schools; State Board of Education; modifying membership of the Board; effective date.

OK SB244

School district elections; modifying permissible dates for certain elections; modifying dates for filing for certain office. Effective date.

OK SB1085

School board elections; modifying dates for reapportionment of certain districts. Effective date.

OK HB1463

Officers; dual offices; counties; population limits; county commissioners; exception; effective date.

OK SB98

School district boards of education; providing for removal of member by recall petition. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1104

School district elections; modifying permissible dates for certain elections; modifying dates for filing for certain office. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2046

Higher education funding districts; enacting the Higher Education Institution Local Funding Act; effective date.

OK HB3586

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.

OK SB1992

Teacher pay; repealing the minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel; adding provisions to salary schedules adopted by boards of education. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB890

Local Government Campaign Finance and Financial Disclosure Act; transferring certain duties to the Ethics Commission. Effective date.

OK HB2890

School funding; carryover; State Aid; years of data for per pupil revenue calculation; weighted membership; effective date; emergency

OK HB2109

Campaign finance and financial disclosure; municipal; county; technology center district; independent school district; Ethics Commission; effective date; emergency.

OK SB1084

Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Public Infrastructure Districts Act; allowing for the implementation of public infrastructure districts in Oklahoma. Effective date.

OK SB1084

Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Public Infrastructure Districts Act; allowing for the implementation of public infrastructure districts in Oklahoma. Effective date.