Cornett Focused On Funding At School Boards Association Debate

In what was likely the final debate between the two Republican gubernatorial candidates in Oklahoma before Tuesday's runoff, the focus was on education.

The debate was hosted by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) conference in Oklahoma City Friday afternoon. It was light on sparks, but the debate was heavy on the topic most valued by educators: funding.

"I will always be pushing for more funding," said former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. "But, as you know, the governor can't do all that by himself. The governor has to work with people. I have a lot of experience in being able to bring people together."

Cornett told members of the OSSBA that he wants to change the way Oklahoma views education to get teachers the respect they deserve and to build the workforce Oklahoma needs. School board members with whom we spoke liked his message.

"I like Cornett just because mostly what I've known is what he has done in Bricktown and the revitalization of downtown area here and how much has changed over the years," said Atoka School Board President Keith Cochran.

Atoka School Board member Tommy Stephens said that he thinks Cornett would be a good governor.

"Just the things that I've seen him do in Oklahoma City over the last several years, and the accomplishments that he's made."

Read Related Story: Kevin Stitt Speaks On His Education Plan At State School Board Forum

News 9 and News On 6 will feature stories on the Stitt and Cornett campaigns leading up to the runoff election on August 28, 2018.