What the Stimulus Means for Oklahoma's Education Budget

By Amy Lester, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A big financial boost is on its way to school districts all over Oklahoma.

The money is part of the federal education stimulus package and districts are really looking forward to it.

The districts must use the money specifically for Title 1 which is math or reading, or for special education. This comes at a time when districts are nervous about possible budget cuts for next year.

"We're thrilled to get the money," Brenda Lyons with the Edmond School District said. "We're excited not only for Edmond, but for all the children of Oklahoma that we do have an opportunity to have some funds that we wouldn't have had to get some of those extras perhaps that we couldn't have done normally."

The check's in the mail and the Edmond school district plans to use its nearly $1 million to buy new technology or to expand its early childhood education to include full day kindergarten.

"As an education poor state we are always searching for money for education in Oklahoma," Lyons said.

Every district will get its piece of the pie to go toward math, reading and special education.

"Certainly all the school districts can use more money for teachers and tutors and professionals that work in that area," State Superintendent Sandy Garrett said.

The Oklahoma City school district will receive more than $15 million; Norman gets more than $2 million and Mid Del nearly $3 million.

"It's always a wise investment for our country to think about the education of their population and that's what we're doing right now, we're investing in our future," Garrett said.

This is just half of the money. The districts should get the same amount again, in the fall.

"I know they're excited, they're also anxious though because they don't know the budget totals from the Legislature yet and cuts impending," Garrett said.

The state is also applying for an additional $578 million in stimulus dollars. The majority of that would go to public education and higher education. That could help make up the difference, in a budget shortfall.

The Governor has applied for that money and the state should find out if we'll receive it in the fall.