School funding; modifying the State Aid formula to increase certain small school district formula factor. Effective date. Emergency.
Impact
The bill would amend existing laws on how state aid is calculated, which has implications for broader educational funding policies within Oklahoma. By allowing for higher weighted calculations for small districts, it aims to ensure that these schools can offer competitive resources and support to students compared to larger districts. The formula considers factors such as pupil grade level, teacher experience, and the overall financial landscape of these districts to promote a fair allocation of educational resources.
Summary
Senate Bill 825 aims to modify the State Aid formula for school districts in Oklahoma by adjusting the weighted calculations based on specific criteria. This bill particularly focuses on small school districts, allowing for an increased factor in the formula to foster equitable funding. It defines small school districts as those with average daily membership below a specific threshold, which is set at 529 pupils. The intent is to provide these districts with adequate funding to meet the educational needs of their students, recognizing the unique challenges smaller districts face.
Contention
While supporters argue that SB825 addresses the longstanding inequalities in school funding, critics may voice concerns about the implications for larger districts or the overall budget landscape of the state's education funding. There may also be concerns regarding how effectively the adjustments will translate into better educational outcomes for students in smaller districts, prompting ongoing discussions about the efficiency and fairness of educational funding in Oklahoma.
Schools; allocation of State Aid; calculation of weighted membership; modifying certain category weights; modifying calculation of small school district formula; 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.
Schools; State Aid; adding definition for English Language Learner; modifying weighted pupil category for calculating State Aid; effective date; emergency.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.
Schools; making an appropriation to the State Board of Education; establishing minimum salary schedule; modifying State Aid weights; effective date; emergency.
School funding; modifying calculation of State Aid; directing certain budget request to include certain amount of protested ad valorem tax revenues. Effective date.