Oklahoma Lawmakers, Educators Discuss Budget, Education Cuts

Oklahoma lawmakers are about to begin the next legislative session, and they have a lot to tackle - including the huge budget deficit and cuts to education.

Some of those lawmakers had breakfast with Tulsa educators to talk about the district’s needs. Those educators are hoping lawmakers get the message that schools should be a top priority.

Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Deborah Gist said, “We have a lot of work to do in Tulsa Public Schools."

Lawmakers and educators sat down Friday morning to talk about a difficult year. In the wake of a major State budget crisis, public school systems like TPS face more challenges than ever.

“We need to increase our graduation rate, we need more of our students graduating, we need more of them graduating better prepared for life after high school. So we know we have a lot of work ahead of us as well," Gist said.

She didn't mince words at the meeting Friday, admitting TPS needs a lot of work. Her plan isn’t to ask for more money, but to show lawmakers where the district is with managing the money they do have.

But, Gist said, that doesn't mean it's enough, saying her district will do their part and are asking legislators to do the same.

“In my opinion, it's very important not to politicize education. I think it's about having the honest conversations and then looking for solutions," said Representative, Jadine Nollan. "I think a lot of our teachers feel like they're being picked on and we've got to change that, that's not productive and healthy."

That's why both sides said discussions like these are necessary.

"We're concerned, but we also know that we are going to keep moving forward with our new strategic plan and make great things happen in Tulsa," Gist said. When we do all of that, we will see our economy improve.”

And while solutions are still in the works, the superintendent said she won’t give up pushing for the best.