Teacher Pay Raises Sought

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma school superintendents joined state House Democrats in demanding action on an education funding measure. They said Tuesday the money is needed immediately to fully fund

Wednesday, February 28th 2007, 5:33 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma school superintendents joined state House Democrats in demanding action on an education funding measure. They said Tuesday the money is needed immediately to fully fund three-thousand-dollar teacher pay raises authorized by state lawmakers last year.

State House Republican leaders say negotiations are under way with the state Senate and Governor Brad Henry on a supplemental appropriations measure. That money will fill a multi-million-dollar gap between what was authorized last year and the amount of money appropriated.

Other state agencies, including the Department of Corrections, also are seeking supplemental money from the $235 million in certified new revenue available next year. But superintendents from across the state say they may be forced to lay off teachers and other school workers unless lawmakers act soon on a $58 million supplemental appropriation bill.