Tulsa County Schools Receive Boost In Funding

By Tara Vreeland, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa County public schools are getting some extra money at the end of the month.  Tulsa County Treasurer Dennis Semler made the announcement on Monday morning.  The boost in funding is being distributed to all public schools.  The extra money comes as a surprise to school superintendents.

"Already I've had a couple of things this morning that I thought those dollars could be wisely utilized in that area," said Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard was surprised to learn that TPS would be getting an extra $148,000.

"Frankly, we pretty well know the sources of dollars and where they are coming so from so this interesting income being allocated to the schools was something that was entirely new and unexpected, but good news," said Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

Tulsa County Treasurer Dennis Semler announced Monday morning that $1.2 million will be divided between public schools in Tulsa County, cities, and the county's general fund.

Of that, $400,000 will be sent out at the end of July to the county's schools.

"Schools are always chronically underfunded it seems to me. So, it was my goal because I felt we had done a good job upgrading our systems here in the county, I just felt it was their turn," said Tulsa County Treasurer Dennis Semler.

Tulsa County will receive the most money. Broken Arrow is set to get over $58,000.  Union, Owasso, and Jenks will also get a nice boost.

Many wonder how there could be extra money during an economic recession.  It turns out the funds come from the interest and penalties on unpaid property taxes.

This is the first time the funds have ever been released.  Semler says the money typically goes towards improving county systems.

"By taking this action, I am hopeful that we can help keep teachers in classrooms teaching," said Tulsa County Treasurer Dennis Semler.

"My first choice would be to do something that impacts teaching and learning," said Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Ballard.

07/19/2009  Related Story: Tulsa County Schools Expected To Receive Boost In Funding

Apportionment To Common Schools