On Monday evening, Oklahoma's State Board of Education rescinded a recent controversial resolution. The move to equalize charter and traditional public school building funds without controversy follows action by the state legislature.
In March, against the advice of legal counsel, the State Board of Education voted to equalize funding for charter and traditional public schools by allowing charters to collect local tax revenues.
That was met with stiff opposition from public school educators and state lawmakers.
On Monday, Oklahoma’s House of Representatives passed a bill that will nullify the state board's vote. Additionally, it will assign medical marijuana money in the form of grants to underfunded public school districts and brick and mortar charter schools.
Hours later, the state board voted unanimously to rescind their motion to equalize funding.
Known as the Redbud School Funding Act, Senate Bill 229 would provide almost $40 million of medical marijuana money to equalize building funds for schools.
The measure now moves to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk. He is expected to sign it.
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.