School district boards of education; modifying term of office of members and chairs; limiting number of terms. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
If enacted, SB1026 would significantly affect the state’s education statutes. It is designed to increase the overall investment in public education while implementing stricter accountability measures for school performance. The bill includes provisions that require school districts to meet certain performance benchmarks to receive additional funding and enhances oversight of how allocated funds are spent, ensuring they directly benefit student learning outcomes.
Summary
Senate Bill 1026 aims to reform education funding and standards across the state. The bill proposes a comprehensive revision of the funding formula used to allocate resources to K-12 schools, with an emphasis on ensuring equitable distribution based on student needs rather than geographical location. It aims to address disparities in educational opportunities, particularly in underfunded districts, by redistributing existing state resources and supporting additional funding initiatives.
Contention
The bill has generated considerable debate among lawmakers and education advocates. Supporters argue that the changes are necessary to rectify long-standing inequities in the distribution of education resources, which have left many students in lower-income areas without adequate support. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy and the effectiveness of the proposed accountability measures. There are fears that educational institutions might shift their focus to meet funding requirements instead of prioritizing holistic student development.
Boards of education; modifying term of office of school district and technology center school district board of education members. Effective date. Emergency.
Elections; municipal elections; modifying dates; school districts and board of education; modifying terms; continuing education requirements; effective date.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; effective date; emergency.
Incentive Evaluation Commission; modifying terms of appointment; modifying membership; modifying frequency of evaluations; requiring development of schedule. 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.
Teacher pay; repealing the minimum salary schedule for certified school personnel; adding provisions to salary schedules adopted by boards of education. 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.
Public finance; creating the Oklahoma Public Infrastructure Districts Act; allowing for the implementation of public infrastructure districts in Oklahoma. Effective date.