Oklahoma Senate Bill SB466

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Teachers; increasing amount to be paid special education teachers above other teachers in the same district. Effective date. Emergency.

Impact

If enacted, SB466 represents a significant stride in addressing the pay disparities faced by special education teachers. This legislative move aims to enhance the allure of special education roles, particularly in the context of current challenges in hiring and retaining qualified special education staff. By elevating the salary prospects, the hope is to attract more qualified individuals to this essential field and thereby improve educational outcomes for children with disabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 466, introduced by Senator Kristen Thompson, amends Section 13-110 of Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which pertains to the compensation of special education teachers. The bill raises the minimum salary for qualified and properly certified special education teachers to 10% above the prevailing wage of nondisabled teachers within the same school district. This change emphasizes the importance of incentivizing special education and ensuring that these educators receive equitable pay in comparison to their peers.

Contention

There could be debate surrounding the funding implications of SB466. Critics may argue that while increased pay is essential for special education roles, the sources of funding for such wage increases must be clarified and secured to avoid putting additional financial strain on school districts. Questions may arise regarding how these changes will interact with existing budgets and whether they will lead to reductions in funding for other educational programs.