The state’s only online library of digital content teaching resources aligned to Oklahoma academic standards has expanded to include new resources and tools for elementary and middle school teachers. The Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources, which first launched in August with resources for 10 high school courses, is an innovative, collaborative and cost-saving effort to […]

Statement from Shawn Hime, OSSBA executive director: “I appreciate the Senate for not moving forward with a divisive bill that distracts from the most important issues facing Oklahoma’s nearly 700,000 public school students: a historic teacher shortage and severe budget cuts. I’m confident that a collective focus among legislative, business and education leaders and parents […]

A proposed law to establish a voucher program in Oklahoma, Tulsa and Cleveland counties could divert available funding for Oklahoma public schools by as much as $30 million next year and $1.6 billion over the next decade, according a projected financial analysis from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. Documents: Vouchers Annual Projection District-Level Voucher […]

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 […]

MEDIA CONTACT: Christy Watson Communications Director OSSBA 405.821.3209 (cell)   Statement from Shawn Hime, executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, on SQ 779: “The common message of those who opposed SQ 779 was that public education needs a long-term funding plan and resources to offer competitive teacher pay. While I’m disappointed in […]

  Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources Launched to Assist Oklahoma Teachers The Oklahoma State School Boards Association announced today the launch of the Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources, an innovative, collaborative and cost-saving effort to help schools improve student achievement. The new online library contains free and low-cost, high-quality digital resources and tools teachers and […]

Oklahoma Schools Struggle with Teacher Shortage Despite Cutbacks, Survey Shows Oklahoma school districts are trying to fill more than 500 teaching vacancies as a new school year begins despite eliminating more than 1,500 teaching jobs since last school year, according to a new survey from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. The combined impact of […]

Statement from Shawn Hime, Executive Director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, on the state budget agreement: “We appreciate the challenge Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders have before them in drafting the budget and are grateful they have agreed to shield public schools from additional cuts. The reality is even with this agreement, […]

More than 100 school districts are considering a four-day school week or fewer school days as they cope with state funding cuts that also may force districts to cut more than 1,000 jobs and increase already large class sizes, according to a new survey of Oklahoma school officials. The Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration […]

Statement from Shawn Hime, executive director of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association, on announcement HB2949 and SB609 will not be heard: “I appreciate members of the House and Senate for choosing not to move forward with such divisive bills. Budget cuts and the teacher shortage crisis demand that state, business and education leaders work […]