Bill to prohibit state funds for school recruitment heads to full Senate

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved legislation Wednesday to stop schools from using state appropriations to reward school employees for teacher and student recruitment. Senate Bill 57, by Sen. Ron Sharp, prohibits public, charter and virtual charter schools from giving state-funded bonuses for recruiting individuals from other public, charter or virtual charter schools.

“Although education funding is increasing, this is an unfair practice that must stop. Poorer, rural public districts can’t compete financially with virtual charters, for instance, that are offering cash bonuses to recruit certified teachers and students,” Sharp said. “School districts should be using state funds in the classroom not luring teachers and students away from other schools.”

The State Board of Education and the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board will work together to make rules for implementation.

SB 57 was requested by the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA). The measure now moves to the full Senate.