Oklahoma school districts are preparing for another round of budget cuts for the upcoming year.
In a survey representing about two-thirds of the state’s public school enrollment, nearly all districts said they’re considering cuts to arts, athletics, advanced coursework, summer programs or educational field trips. Oklahoma State School Boards Association Shawn Hime said that’s counterproductive.
"The more students are involved in a well-rounded education with the arts, athletics, activities — if they're involved in a program, they're much more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college," Hime said. "So, we actually need more programs for students."
The OSSBA survey also found 69 percent of districts anticipate bigger class sizes next year, and dozens may cut the number of school days.
State lawmakers say common education will be held as harmless as possible, though it will likely see a state funding percentage cut in the single digits. The cut ahead of the 2016–2017 school year was 2.9 percent, but that was followed by several more cuts over the course of the year.
Hime said that has many districts worried they’ll be short on cash to pay this year’s bills on time.
"And if, for some reason, they couldn't pay out by June 30, then that could go on the tax rolls for the local taxpayers to pay," Hime said.
Hime said a long-term education funding plan is needed.
"They're working very diligently down at the capitol, looking at tax credits, tax incentives, any new revenue source," Hime said. "We're supportive of that and trying to be as big a part of that process as we can. We know it's not going to happen overnight."
State education spending is down $110 million from the start of last school year, including $69 million in midyear cuts. Lawmakers again missed the April 1 deadline for passing an education budget.
