I completely agree with you our education system does not need to be in the hands of the federal government. We need to look at other countries who have a successful education system for guidance because ours is not working.

I know that is how it is set up but the rate should not vary from district to district or even state to state. When I was a high school teacher, we had students from 2 districts in our high school and you could tell which students came from which district based on their education level. The students that were poorer education level also came from poorer financial district. A freshman should be at a similar education level as other freshman in the country not a 2 to 3 grade level difference.

In the majority of states funding *is* based on students. States set an amount of money that they will fund per student. It’s called the base student allocation. Local municipalities can choose to fund their schools more through property tax rates if they so choose. I do believe the feds should supplement state education spending more than they do — especially with all of the requirements, laws, and mandates they are issuing to states and schools.

ETA: I also think removing local control of schools is a terrible idea. Just look who’s in charge of the Department of Ed at the moment. Someone who has never been an educator, has no training in education, and who is unable to answer even the most basic questions about education. I don’t think a centralized system is a good idea at all.

There is a difference between supplementing and supply the education budget. I do believe a radical change needs to happen to the public school system, there needs to be one centralized system across the country and funding is not based on test scores or tax rates but per student.

As a fellow educator... this is just sad

Except that the feds do send education funds to the states. That money is meant to supplement state budgets. So yeah, they could be spending more to help supplement state spending. Additionally the feds send money to pay for federal education programs — and often what they send is not enough to cover the costs of the federal programs. States and local municipalities struggle to fund federal mandates while facing increasing costs each year. When states and local districts have to make up for inadequate funding of federal programs and mandates, that leaves less money to educate the students, take care of the buildings, pay salaries & benefits, and buy adequate supplies & materials. So not quite apples & oranges, pp.

Before the military budget is brought in realize it comes from a federal budget (unless it's the national guard) and education mostly comes a state budget. Imo it is like comparing apples and oranges, yes they are fruit but they don't have much in common.

Take Mary out of office! Our poor kids deserve so much better! Oklahoma needs to open eyes and stop putting ignorant people in the place to represent us as a whole! I support the teachers 100%

Pp, I’m worried that would happen too with the money. Oklahoma’s lottery is the same. All that money and where is it?!

Ek, you are speaking facts! And it’s truly sad for our Little’s. ?

I’m not blaming anyone. Just pointing out how sick it is that we’re all gung-ho when it comes to military spending but drag our feet on funding our schools.

I think the point is that we are thrilled to pour money into our military but balk at funding our schools. One F-35 fighter jet is $160 million. That amount is nearly triple the yearly budget of my school district which has 43 schools. That $160 million doesn’t even account for the cost of fuel, maintenance, and flight time. One single plane costs three times more than the budget of 43 schools serving over 10,000 students. It makes me nauseous to think about.

I’m glad they are standing up for their students and for themselves. It’s about time. ?? ?? ??

But but but...we need all that money for war and the military *sarcastic voice* Im in CA and teachers are what WILL make our country great. Our future is in the children and their education. Im sad teachers and school funding still isnt a priority.

Go teacher. Don’t back down. Okie here.

Our state legalized mj under the guise of money for education. That money somehow never made it to education.

Okie teacher here! I know it’s frustrating but it does look promising for next week! Our voices are starting to be heard and it couldn’t be done without the public support we’ve received!

I've heard things have been bad in OK. Sorry op, that's crappy!!

Fellow Okie here! My MIL is a teacher and she has been doing the walk everyday at the capital. Everyone is furious about it. I can't wait to vote Mary out of office

I agree 100%. We need the same improvements in our state!