Some Oklahoma Teachers Concerned About New Education Package

State leaders agreed to an education package after months of debate. It includes pay raises for teachers, but teachers’ unions have concerns about the plan.

The plan also includes paid maternity leave and money for security.

However, the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association is worried about the tax credit for private tuition.

They think the money it costs the state in tax credits would be better spent in public classrooms.

The biggest point of contention to come from the state's new education package is the separate measure authoring tax credits up to $7,500 to go to families with children in private school.

"Like 5 percent of the kids who don't attend public schools in Oklahoma? Cause 95 percent do, and I know that means 5 percent until we get to 100. I learned that in school… public school,” said Shawna Mott-Wright, TCTA President.

The President of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association said that money could go towards giving education support professionals a raise.

"What did they get? Nothing. They got nothing. Again. I'm a drama teacher. Your teachers are the cast. There's no play without actors. You know what? There ain't no show without the crew either,” said Mott-Wright.

The plan adds $625 million into public education, including a $3,000 to $6,000 raise for every teacher in the state and six weeks paid maternity leave, which Mott-Wright said is something positive about the plan.

It also includes a one-time $150 million investment in school security and a one-time $10 million investment for a reading program.

"I am interested to see how it will be spread out over the districts throughout the state,” said Mott-Wright.

Every school district gets a certain amount of dollars per child, but kids with a special need require more money, which are called "weights."

"Those have not increased in forever and should be with this and that is a much-needed increase,” said Mott-Wright.

TPS School Board VP John Croissant believes the package is a good start.

"I am excited to see how it looks in the end, but I do think it's very important that when the legislature does make a very large investment in public education that we should acknowledge that and thank them for it,” said John Croissant, TPS School Board VP.

Broken Arrow Superintendent Chuck Perry sent us the following statement: “I am grateful to see our elected officials heard the concerns about equitable funding and chose to run the money through the formula to ensure every child receives the same dollar amount. Regarding the teacher raise, I’m hopeful this increase will help attract new and possibly even returning teachers into the profession, because our students deserve highly qualified teachers at every level. One of the other things I was pleased to see in this proposal was an allocation for safety and security, which has been a priority for BAPS. This new money will allow our district to either absorb some of the $500,000 that we’ve already spent in hiring 14 security guards or add additional guards to our ranks. We are still waiting to see exactly what all this new information will mean for our district, but it’s encouraging news.”

The state legislature's top republicans and democrats are responding to the education deal.

Republican party leaders held a news conference announcing Monday's deal.

House Speaker Charles McCall said the comprehensive package will help all of Oklahoma students.

"We're excited for what it does for every student, every teacher in school. I mean every parent in the state. Regardless of what their personal choice is in terms of educating that child,” said House Speaker Charles McCall.

Senate democratic leader Kay Floyd is against the school vouchers and said, "It is important to remember that we are talking about $600 million over three years that will not serve 95 percent of Oklahoma students.”