By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. House suspends education mandates
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The Oklahoma House has voted to suspend some education spending mandates to put more money in the classroom during the state's budget shortfall.
The measure by House Speaker Chris Benge passed 64-36 Wednesday and now goes to the Senate for final passage.
Among other things, the measure will suspend library media spending for local schools. It also delays the adoption of new textbooks for two years and allows districts to spend that money to support and maintain schools.
The bill also freezes new applications for the National Board certification process for teachers as well as certification bonuses.
Opponents say the bill sends the wrong message to teachers. Benge says it will allow school districts to spend more of their money directly on the classroom.