Sandy Garrett Gives Last Speech As State Superintendent At Tulsa Meeting

By Lacie Lowry, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Sandy Garrett gave her final State of Education Address today as State Superintendent, right here in Tulsa.

Her 20th annual speech came during one of the most trying years for public schools in Oklahoma. Budget shortfalls have caused lawmakers to dramatically cut education funding.

Schools must now get the job done on $196 million less than last year with more students statewide. That means larger classes, less textbooks and less technology - as well as severe cuts to several programs.

"One of the bonus programs for teachers, the AAA Program was cut," said Sandy Garrett, Oklahoma State School Superintendent.

"Others were cut devastatingly, but not entirely. The Alternative Ed program was cut. Sooner Start for Early Education was cut," she said.

Help could come from the national level. In January, Oklahoma applied for a massive federal grant.

State education leaders are now waiting to hear whether they got the money.