Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1936

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
3/2/23  
Engrossed
3/20/23  
Refer
3/29/23  

Caption

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.

Impact

If enacted, HB1936 will significantly impact state education laws by fostering greater flexibility for students seeking educational alternatives within their local school districts. This could lead to more equitable educational access, as the bill offers formal recognition of students' rights to transfer between schools, subject to capacity constraints. However, it imposes obligations on school boards to respond to transfer requests and establish transparent policies that adhere to the state's guidelines. Such measures may incentivize schools to better manage their capacities and cater to community needs.

Summary

House Bill 1936 establishes a framework for allowing students within a school district to transfer between schools. This legislation mandates that school districts approve intra-district transfers unless the receiving school's grade level has reached its capacity. It compels school boards to adopt a policy outlining the maximum number of transfers they can accommodate across each grade level at their schools. Furthermore, this policy must prioritize enrollment for students living in school boundaries, those who attended the school the previous year, and siblings of enrolled students. The bill aims to enhance student mobility and provide more educational opportunities within school districts.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1936 appears largely supportive among proponents who see it as a positive move toward improving educational access and fostering competition among schools. However, concerns have been raised regarding the administrative burden it may place on school districts, and whether schools will have sufficient resources to accommodate potential increases in student transfers. This aspect of the debate indicates that while the bill is aimed at improving student choice, it may also challenge how well districts can adapt to these changes without compromising educational quality.

Contention

One notable point of contention relates to the implementation details surrounding capacity determination and how strictly the schools will adhere to the outlined preferences for transfer approval. Critics worry that without adequate oversight, issues may arise regarding the unfair denial of transfers based on subjective criteria or over-enrollment. Additionally, there are concerns that a sudden influx of transfer requests could strain resources and potentially lead to a decline in the quality of education at both transferring and receiving schools, prompting discussions about the broader implications of such policies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1936

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who pass certain examination; requiring allocation of funds for certain stipends; effective date; emergency.

OK SB525

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who take and pass certain subject area competency examination. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB525

Teachers; requiring reimbursement for teachers who take and pass certain subject area competency examination. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB522

Teachers; requiring allocation of funds for annual mentor teacher stipends; providing duties of mentor teacher. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB522

Teachers; requiring allocation of funds for annual mentor teacher stipends; providing duties of mentor teacher. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB1412

Teachers; directing stipends, rather than salary increases, be provided to teachers with certain certificates; effective date; emergency.

OK SB13

Teachers; requiring a teacher whose certificate has been suspended to be placed on suspension. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB554

Teachers; directing stipends, rather than salary increases, be provided to teachers with certain certificates. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB1911

Student transfers; requiring school district boards of education to submit certain annual report; requiring a district to comply with certain recommended changes. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB3386

Schools; requiring school districts to adopt certain intra-district transfer capacity and policy; providing appeal process for denial of transfers of students with disabilities; emergency.

Similar Bills

MS HB1349

Transfer Mississippi Act; create to permit children to attend school of their choice in any school district.

MS HB1435

Student transfers; provide greater access to open enrollment and remove requirement for home district approval of release.

MS SB2234

School attendance zones; allow students to transfer to other school districts subject to availability and approval.

CA SB226

Community colleges: territory transfers between districts.

MS SB2177

School attendance location of students; allow students to transfer to other school districts subject to availability and approval.

MS SB2737

School attendance location of students; allow students to transfer to other school districts subject to availability and approval.

TX SB686

Relating to the transfer of students between public schools.

CA SB897

Pupil attendance: interdistrict attendance: school districts of choice.