Statement from OSSBA Executive Director Shawn Hime regarding the revenue certification at today’s Board of Equalization meeting:

“Today’s budget news caps what has been an extraordinarily difficult budget year for schools. The need for a long-term funding plan for public education isn’t just a wish-list item — it’s an absolute necessity that should be a top priority item when the legislature reconvenes in February.

“Just last week, Oklahoma surpassed last year’s record for emergency teacher certifications. Class sizes are growing, and educational opportunities for children are shrinking. A teacher pay raise is badly needed to keep our great teachers in the state and in the profession and to attract new teachers to the profession.

“State leaders have a tough session ahead of them, and I look forward to working with them to develop a long-term education funding plan to ensure schools have the resources needed to provide all students the high-quality education they deserve.”