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- calendar_today October 26, 2026
Oklahoma State Department of Education Seeks Funding Boost
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has proposed a significant increase in education funding for the 2028 fiscal year, recommending a $123 million rise in education appropriations. The proposal was discussed in a public meeting on Thursday as the agency addressed ongoing challenges within the state's education system.
Breakdown of the Proposed Education Funds
The proposed $123 million increase would add nearly 3% to the prior year's education budget, following a fiscal year 2027 appropriation of over $4.2 million. OSDE Deputy Superintendent of Operations Kristin Stephens emphasized that the largest portion of this increase, $110 million, is earmarked for the Flexible Spending Allowance. This allocation specifically aims to cover the rising costs associated with education employees’ insurance premiums.
Stephens commented, “I think most of us were aware that that was coming. We work very closely with our insurance colleagues and so we knew this was coming and we wanted to make space.”
Regional Education Service Centers and Literacy Training
Another significant portion of the proposed increase—$7 million—is dedicated to establishing Regional Education Service Centers. This initiative is designed to bring literacy training and support services closer to school districts, a measure prompted by the recent introduction of stricter instructional requirements in elementary education under Senate Bill 1778.
Stephens described the importance of these centers, stating, “Our regional education service centers, this is an initiative from this administration around having more access for districts to the support that we provide. Districts need for us to be more accessible to them; we want to bring them as much support as we can.”
Assessment and Building Improvements
A new student assessment requirement is also part of the state’s legislative changes. The literacy law now mandates a new test for second graders, requiring $2 million in funding to implement. In addition, OSDE is requesting $3 million for improvements to its Oklahoma City headquarters, with the goal of making the building more customer-friendly for staff and visitors alike.
Operational Budget and Research Department
An additional $1.3 million is requested to expand the operational budget, specifically to establish a research department within the education department. This development aims to further support decision-making and program development within OSDE.
Next Steps for the Education Budget Proposal
The proposed boost to education funding is part of OSDE’s ongoing response to the challenges facing the state's school system. The agency acknowledges that the requested increase is only the first step in a longer process; the budget still requires approval by lawmakers before it can take effect and deliver these expanded education services across the state.
Source: kfor.com.
