OEA Members Calling Lawmakers

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State lawmakers are hearing from teachers who oppose merit-based pay raises and a longer school year.<br/><br/>Oklahoma Education Association President Roy Bishop says he and more

Thursday, July 26th 2007, 9:39 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State lawmakers are hearing from teachers who oppose merit-based pay raises and a longer school year.

Oklahoma Education Association President Roy Bishop says he and more than 200 OEA members are in Tulsa for a leadership conference and are calling the lawmakers. Bishop says teachers oppose both plans unless teacher salaries are increased to the
regional average.

State schools Superintendent Sandy Garrett is proposing adding five days to the school year and one hour to each school day.

And House Speaker Lance Cargill and Senate co-President Pro Tem Glenn Coffee say they won't consider future teacher pay raises unless merit is factored into the decision.

A spokesman for Cargill criticized the teachers for being against an idea before it's been discussed and says the OEA wants to protect the status quo instead trying to improve the future for children.