State Education Department: No New Textbooks This Year

The Oklahoma State Department of Education says it's recommending that schools not buy any new textbooks this year because of a lack of state funding.

The department says state lawmakers did not appropriate any money for new textbooks for the fiscal year that begins July 1. 

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister says students will be forced to use "outdated and tattered school books." 

“The lack of appropriated dollars for textbooks is posing serious challenges for districts across Oklahoma. At a time when educators are implementing new, stronger standards for English language arts and mathematics, districts will be scrambling to raise funds to replace workbooks and other consumable materials for early reading students. In the meantime, children will continue to be saddled with outdated and tattered school books held together by duct tape,” said Joy Hofmeister.

Last fiscal year, the department received $33 million for textbooks.

Hofmeister says the department is recommending a one-year delay of textbook selection.   

The 13-member State Textbook Committee is expected to consider the recommendation at a special meeting later this month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.