may be ready to tell policy makers, 鈥淓nough鈥�. After a decade of the to public education, a critical moment is quickly approaching. The most recent budget bill passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor, will result in $16M in cuts to public education in the state this year. Teacher pay in the state is . While there were glimmers of hope, including a to fund teacher raises, and but budget bills that would have presumably funded raises, these measures all failed, leaving teachers feeling more frustrated with policy makers. Watching the teacher strike in might have given many the inspiration to try a state-wide strike themselves.
Oklahoma is a right-to-work state, with seriously weakened unions, including the two major teacher associations, OEA and OFT. Along with weakened unions, workers have fewer rights, benefits, and safety nets.聽 There are differences of opinion about the fates of educators who strike, not against their own school districts, but against the state legislature, as the primary funding source of public education.聽 one blog sets out some of the legal issues. also discusses some of the issues that must be considered as teachers consider this step. for teachers to consider.
Oklahoma teachers , in support of a House bill that had stalled, which would provide needed positive reforms, and a funding mechanism for reforms, including limits to class sizes. The resulting attempt to negate the tax hike, SQ 640, was the last time the state of Oklahoma raised taxes substantially. So, this crisis has been a long time in the making. SQ640 requires all tax increases to pass both houses of the votes, a nearly-impossible threshold.
Social media has been a tool for educators and parents to reach out, share concerns and make plans. Two FaceBook groups have seen memberships skyrocket in just days. One, 鈥淥klahoma Teacher Walkout 鈥� The Time is Now,鈥� has grown to nearly 50,000 members between March 1 and March 4. An has also been created.
As of now, there are no specific funding bills before the legislature, but there is a by the minority party of the House, in partnership with a Republican candidate for Governor. There is another by just the minority House members. Neither has legislation attached at this time. Some leaders of the teacher walkout movement also have plans for recurring funding.
The next weeks will be tense, and pressure on district leaders will intensify to communicate their support of a possible walkout.聽 The legislature seems disinclined to act on increasing school funding, and the only budget bill passed so far this session includes more cuts to all state agencies, including schools.
Aware, as the teachers in West Virginia were, of the fact that of the state鈥檚 students count on the school-provided breakfasts and lunches and child care, there are discussions about how to provide both meals and child care so working parents will not have to take leave to watch their students.