Senate education bills approved to help military families

The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved two bills Tuesday to help the children of military families easily transition into the Oklahoma education system when their parents are transferred to the state.  Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer, said the bills were necessary to help lessen the stress of military families regarding their children’s education when they’re preparing to relocate.

“Moving and beginning a new job are two of the most stressful events in a family’s life.  For military families, it can be a common occurrence, but we can take away some of their stress by allowing them to pre-enroll their children in our public school system whether it’s in a traditional school or a virtual charter one,” Simpson said.  “I appreciate the committee’s approval of these measures. Typically, people are moving from one part of town to another or to a nearby community whereas our military families are often moving from another country or state.  This will help lighten the burden of the difficult transition for both the parents and the children.”

SB 1320 directs students to be considered in compliance with the residency requirements for school attendance if their parents or legal guardians are transferred or are pending transfer to an Oklahoma military installation while on active military duty. It also directs school districts to accept enrollment applications electronically for these students and directs the parents or legal guardians to provide proof of residence to the school district within ten days after the published arrival date. The bill was requested by the U.S. Department of Defense to bring Oklahoma in line with other states under the National Compact on the Education of Military Children. 

SB 1325 allows students to enroll in a statewide virtual charter school if their parents or legal guardians are transferred or pending transfer to an Oklahoma military installation while on active military duty.  The bill directs statewide virtual charter schools to electronically accept enrollment applications for these students and requires the students’ parents or legal guardians to provide proof of residence to the statewide virtual charter school within ten days after the published arrival date.

For more information, contact: Sen. Simpson: (405) 521-5607 or Frank.Simpson@oksenate.gov

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