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Hofmeister Asks Oklahoma Attorney General for Guidance on Teacher Raises, Taxes Funding Them

Right now is when Oklahoma teachers’ new contracts are typically drawn up, but there’s a hitch.

It should be an exciting time because new teacher contracts would include raises averaging $6,100.

"But it comes with a time of uncertainty due to the landmark legislation that passed pay raises yet there is a referendum to undo the funding stream," said State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

Hofmeister has asked Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter for guidance on 11 specific points related to the repeal effort.

"If there would be a stopping of the collection of funds that may occur with the referendum, at what point? So, those are things that, of course, our attorney general is able to examine the constitution, examine the legislation and give us guidance," Hofmeister said.

A successful referendum could leave districts paying for higher salaries.

"Everyone has worked very hard to make certain our teachers are paid competitively, and landmark legislation, of course, was accomplished this year. This should be a time where we’re moving forward, not stalling or taking steps back," Hofmeister said.

There's no word yet on when the attorney general’s office may respond.

Matt Trotter joined KWGS as a reporter in 2013. Before coming to Public Radio Tulsa, he was the investigative producer at KJRH. His freelance work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times and on MSNBC and CNN.