Oklahoma Senate Bill SB28

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Teacher compensation; establishing minimum salary schedule for teachers. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

The passing of SB28 will directly affect Oklahoma's educational policies by putting in place standards for teacher compensation. It is designed to offer better financial security for public school teachers, with specified minimum salaries that reflect educational attainment and experience. Districts will have the ability to provide additional credit beyond the state’s minimum salary schedule, thereby allowing local authorities some degree of flexibility in their hiring processes.

Summary

Senate Bill 28 establishes a minimum salary schedule for certified personnel in the public schools of Oklahoma, aiming to enhance teacher compensation in light of ongoing discussions about education funding in the state. The new law will set specific salary levels based on the years of experience and the degree held, with provisions for annual increases starting from the 2023-2024 school year. This bill is a response to concerns from educators regarding competitive pay and the need to attract and retain quality teaching staff across Oklahoma's public education system.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SB28, particularly concerning the exclusion of certain retired teachers from its provisions. Critics argue that this could lead to disparities in compensation between current and retired educators, while supporters contend that the bill prioritizes investment in new talent and ongoing education efforts within the teaching workforce. Additionally, there is a concern regarding the implications of the salary schedule on local education budgets and how districts may need to adjust their financial strategies to comply with state mandates.