Oklahoma Department of Education seeks $88.6M FBA increase, $3M recurring Bible program and other budget requests

The Oklahoma State Department of Education asked the Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 4 for a package of budget increases that included an $88,569,748 recurring request for the Foundation Block Aid increase, a 6% cost‑of‑living adjustment for department employees and a $3,000,000 recurring line for a state program to place King James Bibles in classrooms.

Why it matters: The requests affect K‑12 funding and operations across the state, including classroom materials, teacher benefits and school security. Committee members pressed officials on funding details, program scope and whether some items are one‑time needs or should be recurring in future budgets.

At the committee meeting, Senator Seifried, vice chair of the education subcommittee, summarized the department’s requests and turned to department representatives for details. On the largest line item, Seifried said the department requested $88,569,748 recurring “for the FBA increase. This includes certified and support personnel.” The department also proposed a 6% COLA for State Department of Education employees and a $2,854,634 operations increase that the presentation said would cover personnel, IT, facilities, maintenance and professional development.

Superintendent Walters confirmed that the department is proposing a $3,000,000 recurring “Bible initiative” to provide King James Version Bibles to grades 5–12. Walters said the department has already purchased 500 Bibles for…