A state-ordered report on Oklahoma school funding suggests changes to spending priorities, but a superintendent says the proposals lack context and originality. The report, prepared by former Education Secretary Dan Hamlin, found that district carryover funds increased from $2.8 billion in 2019 to $4.5 billion in 2025.
Report Findings
The report proposes directing some of that money toward teacher pay and classroom needs. Mid-Del Public Schools Superintendent Rick Cobb said the findings require more context, citing the influx of federal money through ESSER after the pandemic as a factor in the increased carryover funds.
The report also reviewed the number of school days across 12 districts, revealing a range from 141 to 172 days — a 31-day difference. Lawmakers have already addressed this issue by passing House Bill 3151 earlier this year, which will increase the minimum number of school days starting in the 2027-28 school year.
In a statement, Gov. Kevin Stitt said, ‘The people of Oklahoma expect every education dollar to reach the classroom and make a difference for kids, not get lost in bureaucracy or sit idle in bank accounts.’ Hamlin left his position in June for a new job, and Stitt has since appointed current State Superintendent Lindel Fields to also serve as the secretary of education until a new governor takes office.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
