Senate education leaders announce legislative priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY – Leaders of the Oklahoma Senate Education Committee announced a robust slate of education initiatives for the upcoming legislative session that starts in a week.

Sen. Adam Pugh, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and Sen. Ally Seifried, the committee’s vice chair, detailed their vision for improving K-12 and higher education in a press conference Monday at the state Capitol. Pugh, R-Edmond, and Seifried, R-Claremore, said their education priorities include a teacher pay raise, getting cellphones out of schools, strategies to ensure students are learning critical skills, initiatives to get more talented teachers in the classroom and higher education reforms.

“With this package of legislation, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more effective education system for all Oklahomans,” Pugh said. “Our initiatives focus on supporting teachers, while also expanding pathways for talented educators to enter and remain in the profession. Most importantly, we’re focused on improving educational outcomes across all levels, from K-12 through higher education, and equipping students with critical skills and knowledge that will serve them throughout their lives.”

This is the third year in a row that Chairman Pugh has worked with his colleagues on the Senate Education Committee to present a multi-faceted plan to strengthen Oklahoma’s education systems after hearing from educators across the state.

“This plan is a bold step forward that will build on the progress we’ve already made in improving education every step of the way from kindergarten through college,” Seifried said. “We’re prioritizing what matters most by supporting our teachers, expanding learning opportunities and ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed. I’m proud to continue pushing for reforms that will enhance academic outcomes and increase teacher recruitment and retention while providing every student with a high-quality education that sets them up for a bright future.”

To learn more about the senators’ education bills, click here.

###

For more information, contact: Sen. Adam Pugh at 405-521-5622 or Adam.Pugh@oksenate.gov or

Sen. Ally Seifried at 405-521-5555 or email Ally.Seifried@oksenate.gov.