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Accompanied by lawmakers, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation Wednesday afternoon on an open public school transfer policy and a change to the statewide funding formula.
Credit Governor s office
Gov. Kevin Stitt wasted no time in signing bills to implement major education policy reforms he asked for in February during his state of the state address.
The Senate passed HB2078 on a 27–19 vote. It changes the statewide funding formula so it’s based on a district’s attendance the prior year, not the higher of the past two years as is in law currently.
Opponents said the change could trigger devastating cuts if a district sees a sudden drop in enrollment, like some did during the pandemic. Sen. Jo Anna Dossett (D-Tulsa) told HB2078 s sponsor, Sen. Zack Taylor (R-Seminole), she’s heard from many constituents who are already anticipating less state funding because of the measure.