Oklahoma’s common education system faces some difficult times in terms of adequate funding to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Tough decisions lie ahead for state legislators and school officials.
This year’s standstill budget, signed off by legislative leaders and Gov. Brad Henry, will force schools across the state to closely examine what they can and cannot afford. If there is a silver lining, at least the state budget is not facing the record $700,000 shortfall it did when the governor was sworn into office for the first time in January 2003.
Because it is so vital, education issues are among the priorities on the local level as well.
When the Greater Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce was establishing its program of work for 2008 last November during a planning retreat, one of the two main objectives was to address school issues. Those in one of the break-out sessions at that November session were blunt about what they believed was a priority and that was “fix the school problem.”
The discussion that afternoon centered around Shawnee’s school system, and the K-8 districts which surround it, Pleasant Grove, Grove, North Rock Creek and South Rock Creek. Many of those sitting in the break-out session that day who helped identify this issue as a priority reside in one of those K-8 districts.
Since this issue is a priority for the local chamber, school officials for those five districts were asked to sit down recently with the chamber board and the Shawnee Economic Development Foundation board to begin discussions. Chamber chairman Chris Clark has pointed out he believes it’s important to get all of the players involved to talk about it.
Shawnee School Superintendent Marilyn Bradford and business manager David Harp along with North Rock Creek Superintendent Marc Moore attended and presented pertinent information. It was disappointing the other three, South Rock Creek, Grove and Pleasant Grove, were not represented, even though they received the same invitation and in sufficient time to put it on their schedules.
This session, which lasted for two hours, was not a witch hunt. It was not intended to be threatening, nor was it about forcing these dependent (K-8) districts to annex or consolidate. It was intended to provide food for thought, begin discussions which might lead to solutions and allow the school officials to provide information to the group really interested in helping address education issues.
Oklahoma probably has too many school districts, and eventually school officials and lawmakers must realize funding sources are finite.
Fewer districts throughout the state may help some of the issues. There are too many turf battles which always pop up and get in the way of meaningful discussions aimed at providing solutions.
The information presented by Harp, Bradford and Moore during that meeting was revealing. For the first time, some of us learned North Rock Creek is contemplating a high school in its future, because of recent enrollment increases and those anticipated in the future.
Harp pointed to some of the disparities between the building fund allocations and the number and size of facilities Shawnee has to take care of compared with some of the other districts.
In 2003, State School Superintendent Sandy Garrett appointed a task force to look at school funding and other issues in light of the $700,000 budget shortfall. Among the members of a subcommittee serving on that were Bradford and Marty Lewis, who was the Bethel school superintendent and now is in charge of the Gordon Cooper Technology Center.
Among the recommendations submitted in a white paper prepared by that subcommittee was consolidation of school districts. It said consolidation of districts was critical, pointing out that consolidation of services alone would not solve the funding crisis faced then and in the future by Oklahoma schools. Even though the discussion during the recent chamber meeting with school officials didn’t center or focus on the issue, this was one of the suggestions presented by Harp during his presentation.
These were the suggestions made by Harp and provided to those attending the recent session. We think it’s important to point out, though, that the meeting was for discussion and no action was taken during that session.
At least these suggestions provide thought for future discussions. They include:
• Equalize the school funding formula by including the building fund tax levy. This would place all schools on a more level playing field.
• Increase grade level weighs for grades 7-12. This would require a significant amount of new money through the funding formula.
• Consolidation/annexation should take place through legislation. Give dependent schools a grace period to build high schools. Ten years would allow dependent schools to decide their fate.
• Bonding capacity — 10 percent of assessed valuation limits our ability to improve facilities in a timely manner. Many schools are able to pass bond issues for transportation and technology. This is a big disadvantage for SPS. Legislation should address this issue.
The discussions have begun. They should continue, and the other school districts in our area should be further encouraged to join them.
