Education

School shutdown lessons

April 19, 2018

Jonathan Small

In 2018, Oklahomans will see the largest teacher pay raise in state history, dramatic tax increases, and record total funding for education. Since March 29, $610 million in new tax increases and annual revenues have become law. Since the 2015 legislative session, more than $1 billion in new tax increases and annual revenues have become law.

Oklahoma schools have reopened, but frustration lingers.

Some teachers are upset schools closed. Others think the union should have demanded more. Nobody is entirely happy with the political process or outcome.

Frustration is inevitable. Any political system (other than tyranny) requires compromise. But school shutdowns are not inevitable, and none of us should accept the level of rancor reached in some of these debates. There is plenty to learn from the last few weeks.

Read the rest over on The Journal Record.