Educators leaving for other states

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's loss is Texas' gain when it comes to teachers. About 850 Oklahoma educators have left their posts in the last six months. A survey released by the Oklahoma Department

Wednesday, December 15th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma's loss is Texas' gain when it comes to teachers. About 850 Oklahoma educators have left their posts in the last six months. A survey released by the Oklahoma Department of Education says most are heading for other states.

Statewide, 334 teachers and other staff have opted for jobs in Texas, while 62 have gone to Kansas and 26 to Arkansas. About 157 went to other states, and 279 left for the private sector. The survey was conducted at request of Oklahoma state House Speaker Loyd Benson, who wants to redirect 290 million dollars to give teachers as much as a four thousand dollar a year raise. Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating says he doesn't want to see outstanding teachers leave.