OKLAHOMA CITY — As Oklahoma lawmakers propose a series of education bills, the state’s teachers, students, and families—including those in Tulsa Public Schools (TPS)—stand to see significant changes. From salary raises to school choice expansions and controversial cultural policies, these bills could profoundly impact TPS students and educators in one of the state’s largest districts.
Culture War Policies: A Threat to Inclusion?
While some bills aim to improve teacher compensation, others align with national conservative efforts to reshape education policy.
- HB 1165 (Rep. Gabe Woolley – R) would require schools to verify students’ U.S. citizenship or immigration status.
- SB 19 (Sen. Warren Hamilton – R) mandates library book lists and bans “pornographic” or “sexualized” materials.
- SB 348 (Sen. Michael Bergstrom – R) insists that textbooks affirm sex as immutable and bans materials suggesting “collective guilt” based on race or gender.
- SB 591 (Sen. Dusty Deevers – R) prevents schools from using students’ preferred pronouns without parental consent.
- SB 486 (Sen. Shane Jett – R) allows public schools to employ chaplains as counselors.
For Black, Brown and LGBTQIA+ students, such policies could create an unwelcoming school environment. Citizenship verification could disproportionately affect immigrant families, while book bans and gender policies risk erasing critical discussions on race and identity. Additionally, limiting inclusive curriculum content could hinder efforts to teach a fuller history of Black experiences in America.
School Choice & Private School Subsidization: A Shift in Funding?
Among the most controversial bills are those promoting school choice:
- SB 247 (Sen. Dusty Deevers – R) establishes an Education Savings Account (ESA) program to fund students rather than schools.
- SB 229 (Sen. Julie Daniels – R) eliminates the cap on Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit, which provides $5,000-$7,500 for private school tuition.
These policies could drain public school funding, disproportionately harming districts like TPS, where many Black students rely on well-funded public education. While proponents argue that ESAs increase choice, critics warn that private schools—many of which have selective admission policies—are not obligated to serve all students equitably.
Teacher Pay & Benefits: A Step Toward Retention?
With Oklahoma grappling with a teacher shortage, multiple bills propose increasing salaries and benefits to attract and retain educators.
- SB 201 (Sen. Adam Pugh – R) would raise the minimum teacher salary by $10,399, bringing starting pay to $50,000.
- SB 142 (Sen. Carri Hicks – D) seeks to increase pay by $3,000, while HB 1112 (Rep. Ellen Pogemiller – D) offers a $5,000 raise.
- HB 1087 (Rep. Dick Lowe – R) extends step raises to 35 years of service, up from 25 years.
- HB 1020 (Rep. Michelle McCane – D) expands Oklahoma’s Promise tuition waivers to include the children of long-term teachers.
For TPS, these increases could help retain experienced teachers and recruit new educators to a district where students—many of whom are Black—already face disparities in academic outcomes. The additional financial security could make teaching in urban districts more attractive, countering the exodus of teachers to suburban schools or out of-state.
Recruitment & Certification: Addressing Teacher Shortages
The state is also considering incentives to bring new educators into classrooms:
- SB 7 (Sen. Ally Seifried – R) and SB 242 (Sen. Adam Pugh – R) provide tuition assistance for students and veterans committing to teaching.
- SB 235 (Sen. Adam Pugh – R) matches funds for school districts to help staff earn teaching degrees.
- SB 186 (Sen. Mark Mann – D) funds certification for emergency-certified teachers.
- HB 1113 (Rep. Ellen Pogemiller – D) mandates that adjunct teachers pursue certification within three years.
Higher Education & Tuition Assistance: Expanding Opportunities?
Several bills propose changes to tuition assistance programs:
- SB 140 (Sen. Ally Seifried – R) extends the Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) deadline for high school seniors.
- SB 406 (Sen. Michael Brooks – D) establishes an OHLAP point-of-contact for student eligibility.
- SB 185 (Sen. John Haste – R) covers tuition for students committing to work for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
- SB 56 (Sen. Darrell Weaver – R) offers tuition waivers for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, firefighting, and EMT services.
For TPS students, these initiatives could enhance college access, especially if widely promoted within schools serving Black communities. However, increased emphasis on law enforcement careers could be met with skepticism in communities wary of systemic policing issues.
The Future of Education in Tulsa
If passed, these bills could reshape Tulsa Public Schools, impacting Black, Brown and LGBTQIA+ students in profound ways. While teacher pay raises and recruitment efforts may help address educator shortages, restrictive policies on curriculum, an anti-DEI campaign and school choice initiatives could exacerbate inequities. As these debates continue, the stakes for Tulsa’s Black families, marginalized groups, and educators remain high, making advocacy and community engagement crucial in shaping Oklahoma’s educational future.
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