State Education Leaders Seek Larger Appropriation

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State education leaders are seeking an additional $400-million for public elementary and secondary schools next year.<br/><br/>The total includes $58.3-million to ensure teachers

Monday, December 25th 2006, 6:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State education leaders are seeking an additional $400-million for public elementary and secondary schools next year.

The total includes $58.3-million to ensure teachers see the full $3,000 across-the-board pay raise promised to them.

The state Legislature approved the raise this year but didn't include money to cover the increased amounts that school districts will have to pay into the teacher retirement system and for Social Security.

During the summer, the extra costs were estimated to be about $22-million. But officials say the higher figure came after final teacher and enrollment counts were finished in October.

Money also is needed to help cover ever-increasing health care costs.