Oklahoma public education sees more funding slashes

As the state weathers a revenue shortfall, common education is seeing its funding cut even further.

Last week, state revenue figures showed that collections were down by $139 million compared with last November. The shortfall means state agencies are getting 10 percent less money each month. Although the state Department of Education is absorbing that cut, the 1017 fund — a special fund that helps pay for public education — is down by 14.9 percent compared to estimates, creating an additional drain.

Legislative leaders and Gov. Brad Henry have promised to work out a budget agreement that will help replenish the education fund, which gets money from a variety of sources, including tribal gaming revenues and taxes on cigarettes and tobacco. The fund is down $34.2 million compared to the same time last year.

Rainy day option

Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee, R-Oklahoma City, and Speaker of the House Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, back a plan to use the Rainy Day Fund to offset the losses to the education fund.

To access the Rainy Day Fund, which contains nearly $600 million, the Legislature would have to approve the plan.

Lawmakers could either call a special session to deal with the budget or wait until the regular session begins in February.

"We’ve heard that the Rainy Day Fund will be accessed,” said Sandy Garrett, state schools superintendent. "We would like for them (the funds) to come soon. That signal is very important.”

State Treasurer Scott Meacham said that while a plan on how to replenish the education fund is still being worked out, lawmakers wanted to send a message to districts that help is on the way.

"The key thing is to signal to the districts that this money will be coming,” Meacham said.

"It may take 30 to 60 days, but we wanted to let them know so they can plan accordingly.”

Contributing: Staff Writer Megan Rolland