Democratic News Hubb
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
  • Democratic
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Democratic
  • Contact us
No Result
View All Result
Democratic News Hubb
No Result
View All Result
Home Democratic

GOP senator unveils $541M education plan that includes teacher pay raises

admin by admin
January 19, 2023
in Democratic



A leading state senator wants to allocate an additional $541 million for K-12 education to fund a slate of new initiatives, including pay raises and paid maternity leave for educators and financial incentives to get more qualified teachers into classrooms.

Sen. Adam Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, unveiled on Wednesday a sweeping plan he hopes will serve as a blueprint for education reforms during the upcoming legislative session.

The Edmond Republican said Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat asked him over the summer to formulate an education plan.

“I met with a number of school leaders, parents, administrators, teachers, and wanted to work to find something to build consensus and to collaborate around and to be a starting point,” he said.

Check out our latest digital-only offer and subscribe now

Although Pugh said he can’t speak to whether other lawmakers will support his proposal, his leadership post on a powerful Senate committee will give him some leverage to advance his agenda.

People are also reading…

Notably absent from the proposal is any mention of school vouchers, which became a controversial issue last year after Treat filed a bill that would allow parents to use taxpayer dollars to fund private school tuition.

Treat said he hopes Pugh’s plan sparks a discussion on how to improve education across the state.

Pugh filed 13 bills to carry out his plan, which aims to recruit, retain and reward teachers, in addition to other education reforms.

The most expensive part of the proposal is $241 million to increase starting teacher pay to nearly $40,000, up from $36,601, and boost state minimum educator salaries across the board.

Entry-level teachers through those in their fourth year of teaching would see $3,000 pay raises. Teachers with 15 or more years of experience would receive $6,000 pay bumps. Mid-career teachers would receive $4,000 or $5,000 pay raises based on their years of service.

Several Republican lawmakers have expressed support for boosting teacher pay this year, and two freshman senators flanked Pugh as he detailed his plan in a news conference.

Teachers last received a pay bump in 2019 — $1,220 on average — after a $6,100 hike the year before.

Pugh said he’s also excited about a bill he filed that would earmark more funding to ensure that young students are proficient in reading. His goal is for all students entering the fourth grade to be 100% proficient in reading.

He acknowledged that the price tag on his plan is high, but lawmakers are expected to have extra cash to spend this year. Pugh said he hasn’t discussed his proposal with new State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

“I hope this plan will demonstrate to teachers that we’re serious about the work that you do and we appreciate that you pour your heart and your soul into educating kids,” Pugh said.

$50 million for school safety grants that districts can use for security, infrastructure, technology or training.

$25 million to offer 12 weeks of paid maternity leave to teachers who have been with a district for at least one year.

$15 million in financial incentives to get more Oklahomans to spend at least four years in an Oklahoma classroom after graduating from a teaching college.

Reforming the A-F school report card so surveys administered to students, parents and school staff factor into a school’s grade.

Putting a greater focus on science, technology, engineering and math education.

Reforming charter schools.

Featured video: Memorable Tulsa World education stories of 2022

Investigative reporting and local schools coverage by Andrea Eger and Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton.


carmen.forman@tulsaworld.com

Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!

Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.



Source link

Tags: adam pugheducationfinanceinstitutionsjob marketlegislatureoklahomaoklahoma legislatureparliament and legislative bodiespoliticsryan waltersschool systemsstate governmentteacherteacher paythe economytradeuniversity
Previous Post

Kristi Noem Supports Bill to Protect Minors From Transgender Hormones

Next Post

Infographic: Road to the Arabian Gulf Cup final | Football News

Next Post

Infographic: Road to the Arabian Gulf Cup final | Football News

Recommended

Alan Pratzel urged education and diversion as Missouri’s chief disciplinary counsel • Missouri Independent

January 1, 2023

Fact-Checking 4 Claims in Biden’s Jan. 6 Anniversary Speech

January 7, 2023

Colombia, ELN rebels conclude first round of ‘successful’ talks | Conflict News

December 12, 2022

Tulsa murderer won’t be executed Thursday; federal Bureau of Prisons’ refuses to send inmate back

December 13, 2022

Don't miss it

Democratic

Resurrecting Australia’s Extinct Tasmanian Tiger | Environment

January 26, 2023
Democratic

President Droupadi Murmu – ThePrint –

January 26, 2023
Democratic

New Oklahoma PAC will fight influx of anti-trans legislation

January 26, 2023
News

With Debt Ceiling Looming, Biden ‘Will Negotiate,’ Sen. Rand Paul Says

January 26, 2023
News

Missouri Republicans push for state to take over control of St. Louis police department • Missouri Independent

January 26, 2023
News

Committee introduces resolution to amend Idaho Constitution around ballot initiatives

January 26, 2023
Democratic

Peru protesters clash with police after president calls for truce | Protests News

January 25, 2023
Democratic

Why Tom can’t censor Jerry & when Petrol Baba showers you with blessings – ThePrint – Select

January 25, 2023

democratic-white

© 2022 Democratic News Hubb All rights reserved.

Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement unless specified. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • News
  • Democratic
  • Contact us

Newsletter Sign Up

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Democratic
  • Contact us

© 2022 Democractic News Hubb All rights reserved.