Pro Tem-Elect Paxton and Sen. Thompson to Refile Legislation to limit Virtual Days in Public Education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle and Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today announced their plans to refile legislation to reduce the use of virtual school days in public education.

“We continue to see the disastrous and inefficient effects virtual learning is having on our children,” Pro Tem-Elect Paxton said. “We also continue to see school districts across the state plan their calendars for next year that include even more virtual days. Children learn best when they are in the classroom. They also learn critical social skills and how to interact with their peers. Virtual learning also puts a strain on working parents, who must find childcare or take off from work. For these reasons and more is why Senator Thompson and I have decided to refile legislation from last session that will limit virtual days in public schools.”

Filed last session, Senate Bill 1768 limited virtual classroom instruction to only take place in the event of inclement weather, staff shortages, illness, building maintenance issues, or if deemed necessary by school administrators and approved by the State Department of Education.

“This is necessary legislation to ensure students are getting the best education possible, which is in-person and in the classroom,” Sen. Thompson said. “I have seen firsthand the lack of quality instruction that occurs on a remote learning day. We have a responsibility to our children that they get the best education possible. I look forward to filing this measure again.”

Today’s announcement comes after Governor Kevin Stitt filed an executive order that limits remote work for state employees.

“In the past several years, we have appropriated historic levels of funding to schools across the state,” Pro Tem-Elect Paxton said. “I believe returning to in-person work and cutting down on virtual days will improve productivity across state agencies, including public education.”