Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1622

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/8/22

Caption

Schools; directing district boards of education to publish certain list of vacant buildings. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The bill mandates that each school district publish an annual list of vacant buildings it owns. This list will be made accessible to charter school applicants, thereby giving them the right of first refusal to lease these properties. This approach is intended to enhance educational opportunities within the district by promoting the establishment and growth of charter schools, which proponents argue can respond more flexibly to local educational needs compared to traditional public schools.

Summary

Senate Bill 1622, introduced by Senator Pugh, seeks to amend Oklahoma state law regarding the powers and responsibilities of school district boards of education. Specifically, the bill allows these boards to lease vacant school properties to charter schools or applicants for charter schools. This provision encourages greater utilization of unoccupied school buildings and facilitates the establishment of charter schools, which operate with different guidelines compared to traditional public schools, following the Oklahoma Charter Schools Act.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that the shift of unused school properties to charter schools could undermine traditional public education systems, diverting funding and resources from public schools. Additionally, critics could express concerns over the implications for local control and the overall governance of school boards as they adapt to this new leasing dynamic. The bill’s proponents, however, generally advocate for increased competition and choice in the educational landscape, suggesting that charter schools can fill gaps in the public school system and offer innovative educational solutions.