Oklahoma County Excise Board approves estimates of needs for school districts, strikes several items after review

Eleanor Thompson, presiding member of the Oklahoma County Excise Board, called a special meeting Thursday and led the board through approval of estimates of needs and financial statements for numerous school districts and charter schools for fiscal year 2025–26.

The board approved scores of resolutions certifying appropriations and levies for districts and charters across Oklahoma County, including Deer Creek, Western Heights, Rose State College Technical Area Education District 52, and multiple charter schools. Most items were approved on a voice vote after staff summarized the amounts and levies.

The approvals matter because the excise board certifies the “estimate of needs,” a required step before county officials can set mill levies and proceed with budgeting and tax collection for the coming fiscal year. Several districts showed notable year‑over‑year changes: Deer Creek’s general fund increased by about $15 million compared with last year, and several charter schools and college technical funds showed multi‑million‑dollar increases. The board approved each item as presented except where members voted to strike or send items back for staff review.

Board actio…