Public Schools Advocates Remain ‘Vigilant,’ Voucher Bill Supporters Not Giving Up

Rural school advocates say they will remain vigilant after the Speaker of the House said he would not be hearing a bill that gives parents state money to pay for private schools or homeschooling.  

Thursday’s announcement by Speaker Charles McCall is being called a win for advocates hoping to stop any legislation this session that takes funding away from public schools.  

But — we’re only one week into the session, a lot can happen before sine die, in May.  

The head Republican in the Senate authored the bill and says he isn’t giving up yet on vouchers.  

Senator Pro Tem Greg Treat authored the now-chilled voucher bill — SB 1647. 

In a statement Thursday he said: “At this stage last year, we were told that the Opportunity Scholarship Fund was DOA in the House. I didn’t give up then and I won’t give up now.” 

Treat is pointing to another school choice bill that passed last session — capping tax credits for both public and private school donations at $25 million. 

“We learned the hard way that nothing is dead until the gavel hits on the last day of session so we will continue to remain vigilant. we will continue to be working against any of these bills that are designed to divert public funds for our public schools,” said Erika Wright, an organizer with the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition.  

Rural school advocates aren’t the only group keeping an eye on this effort.  

A newly accredited Oklahoma City private school says their small class sizes help some students.  

“We have a lot of kids that have disabilities, whether it's an IEP, whether it's just home issues, and in a smaller setting it helps our children to learn on a level that they otherwise wouldn’t,” said Gina Darby, Director of Operations Infinity Generation Generals Prep School. 

But this comes at a cost — more than $12,000 annually.  

“We would love for the senate bill to pass because if it helps some of our parents that are less fortunate, be a part of the school because tuition can be a burden on parents,” said Darby.  

There are about a dozen bills looking to change school funding policies on the table right now.  

Public School Advocates are hosting a rally at the Capitol on February 21st.