Education is a hot topic in state House race

(Muskogee-AP) -- The candidates for state representative in District 13 say educational topics are on their agendas.

Distance learning, teacher salaries and making sure children read at grade level are being discussed by Stuart Ericson and Allan Harder.

Harder says he'll look to repeal the requirement that school districts get 60 percent plus one vote in order to pass a bond issue. Ericson says he supports letting residents vote on that issue.

Harder is also promoting distance learning. He says getting schools wired so that a few teachers could instruct classes at several locations at once would help smaller districts.

Ericson says he's formed an advisory board of teachers and school officials to advise him on school issues.

Ericson and Harder are running for the seat being vacated Representative Bill Settle, who ran unsuccessfully for the Second Congressional District.