Oklahoma Education Committee Passes Multiple Bills

A dozen bills passed through the house common education committee meeting today. These bills were presented by representatives on both sides, and passed through with little debate or disagreement.

House Bill 2546 written by Representative Terry O’Donnell (R) would limit sexual education for students K-5th grade. The author Representative O'Donnell said there doesn’t need to be discussion on gender identity prior to 6th grade.

House Bill 2009 written by Representative Dean Davis (R) would change the class size limits, decreasing size for K-3rd grade and increasing the size for 4th-6th. It would require the school to pay a $1,250 stipend per-student to teachers if their class is above the limit. 

House Bill 1035 written by Representative Jacob Rosecrants (D) would allow mental health counseling and occupational therapy to be exceptions for attendance. Rep. Rosecrants said this is happening at most districts, but this would ensure it’s happening everywhere.

House Bill 2569 written by Representative Mark McBride (R) would put a moratorium on the State Board of Education’s ability to approve or impose new accreditation rules without going through the legislature. Rep. McBride said this needs to go through another layer instead of just the Superintendent.

“It being immediately necessary for the preservation of public peace,” said Rep. McBride.

The bill would take some power away from the State Superintendent and Board of Education when it comes to lowering accreditation status.

“Let the legislature have more oversight of it,” said Rep. McBride. “The problem is recent things that have happened with the current Secretary of Education. I think that there needs to be some barriers and roadblocks set up, whatever we can do.”

Rep. McBride’s bill would also require The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability to review the rules the State Board uses to determine school accreditation.

The most recent schools to face losing their accreditation are Mustang and Tulsa public schools.

“The last two instances there was no substance to it- it was fear mongering,” Rep. McBride said.

McBride says he's worried what will happen if things don't change.

“Teachers, principals, librarians, superintendents, fear of what he might do,” said Rep. McBride. “I want to put this gentleman in a box. I hate to be that blunt but we have got to focus on public education and not his crazy destruction of public education.”

We reached out to the State Superintendent's office and did not receive a comment.