State lawmaker wants to redirect education spending

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Representative Ken Miller filed a bill Tuesday to require that 65 percent of public school money go to direct instructional activity.<br/><br/>Miller said his proposal would

Tuesday, January 10th 2006, 4:31 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- State Representative Ken Miller filed a bill Tuesday to require that 65 percent of public school money go to direct instructional activity.

Miller said his proposal would boost classroom spending in the state by $269-million.

He quoted the National Center for Education Statistics as saying 57.9 percent of Oklahoma school expenditures reached the classroom during the 2002-2003 school year.

Critics say such proposals could hurt large rural districts that have extensive transportation needs and urban districts that must hire more counselors and deal with special needs children.