Oklahoma Senate Committee Announces Education Priorities for Legislative Session

The Oklahoma Senate Education Committee, led by Chairman Adam Pugh and Vice Chair Ally Seifried, has outlined key legislative priorities for the upcoming session, focusing on teacher pay, classroom behavior management, and recruitment efforts. A proposed bill aims to raise the starting salary for teachers to $50,000, addressing a significant teacher shortage in the state. Additionally, Seifried has introduced legislation to ban cell phone use in schools to minimize distractions and behavioral issues. Both senators emphasized the importance of local control in education and expressed a commitment to eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from college campuses. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance educational outcomes and support teachers and students in Oklahoma. Legislative discussions are set to begin next week as lawmakers prepare to examine these bills.