Public education to get money from Oklahoma's rainy day fund

Wednesday, February 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Teacher rally organizers can already claim one victory. Governor Brad Henry and key leaders from both parties have agreed to give Oklahoma schools $25.5-million in emergency funding.

The money will come from the state's rainy day fund. The money will help reduce education cuts from almost 8% to 6.5%, the same amount as other state agencies. Dr David Sawyer, Tulsa School Superintendent, "I think that they're serious and sincere about the importance of having our education funding addressed with some priority in the state and some urgency."

The money isn't actually in the bank yet. Governor Henry has to officially declare a fiscal emergency and both houses have to vote to give the money to the schools. Officials hope to have it all wrapped up within a week.