Senator Bullard Files Bill to Promote Local Control, Repeal Minimum Salary Schedule for Teachers

OKLAHOMA CITY – In an effort to return local control to Oklahoma schools, Sen. David Bullard, R-Durant, recently filed legislation to repeal the state’s minimum salary schedule for teachers.

Senate Bill 1864 would eliminate the state’s set minimum teacher salary schedule, which sets a floor for compensation based on a teacher’s years in the classroom.

“We have all heard the term ‘local control,’ and yet we have created a top-down system in Oklahoma,” Senator Bullard said. “We only actually allow for local control when it suits us. It is time to return much of that authority back to local school districts, so they can set their own salary schedules.

Under SB 1864, the state will still send the same amount of funding to districts for teacher compensation, but locally elected school boards will set a pay scale for local educators, Bullard said.

“The majority of that teacher compensation funding comes from local revenue, so the ability to give pay raises already and should rest with local school boards,” Bullard said. “If we believe in local control, then we must show it, starting with giving that authority back to each district. This would be a positive step for our local schools.”  

SB 1864 will be eligible for consideration when the new legislative session begins on Feb. 2.

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For more information, contact: Sen. David Bullard at (405) 521-5586 or David.Bullard@oksenate.gov