Governor approves $31M funding increase for teacher salary scale in Texas

In a recent meeting held on June 2, 2025, the Bixby School District Board of Education discussed the implications of the newly passed state budget for the 2025-2026 school year. A key highlight was the allocation of an additional $31 million in funding for public schools, which represents a modest increase of about 1%. This funding is specifically aimed at extending the teacher salary scale from 25 to 35 years, a move that aims to better support educators in the district.

However, board members expressed concerns that this increase, when distributed across 511 school districts, amounts to only a few hundred thousand dollars per district, which may not significantly alleviate the financial pressures schools face. The overall budget for the district saw a total increase of $122 million, or just over 3%, but much of this funding is earmarked for employee health benefits rather than operational costs or new educational programs.

In contrast, neighboring states like Texas have made substantial investments in education, including a $3 billion increase in funding that supports early teachers and operational costs. This disparity raises questions about Oklahoma's commitment to becoming a top-tier state for education, especially as surrounding states actively invest in their educational systems to retain teachers amid a growing shortage.

The board also discussed specific programs, such as Imagine Math and Imagine Reading, which faced cuts despite being funded by the state. The lack of new operational funding and the quick passage of the budget without extensive debate left some board members feeling concerned about the future of educational resources in the district.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly in light of rising costs and the need for more substantial investment in education. The discussions underscored the ongoing struggle to secure adequate funding for public schools in Oklahoma, highlighting the importance of community engagement and advocacy for educational resources.