Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 03-26-2018
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Office of the City Attorney
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion, and possible approval of Resolution No. 1092, a Resolution establishing support for Oklahoma Public School teachers and urging the Oklahoma Legislature to provide pay raises for public school teachers and support staff and to provide sufficient funding for public schools
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Background:
The Broken Arrow City Council views our teachers as one of the most important workforces within the State. For nearly 18 months, Broken Arrow City officials, along with officials from the BAPS School District, and surrounding Tulsa Region Cities, Chamber, and School Districts, have urged the Oklahoma State Legislature to address the issues facing public education. Wage increases for teachers and support staff and a long-term solution to funding public education should be of primary focus by the Legislature.
The public schools are an integral part of the State’s economic development. Failure to fund the public schools will continue to result in harm to the State’s economic condition, as well as its economic development goals.
Because of the State’s Legislature failure to reach a consensus and take the necessary public policy measures to address this matter, on April 2, 2018, Oklahoma Public School teachers are considering participating in a walk-out to bring into focus the legitimacy of their concerns over school funding.
Statistically, Oklahoma public school teachers receive the lowest pay in the nation and public schools are seriously underfunded. They have been requesting a raise in salary and additional funding for public schools for several years, but have remained unsuccessful.
The Broken Arrow City Council fully supports public school teachers. The Council recognizes that provision of additional funding for public schools are critical to the advancement of the State of Oklahoma.
The attached Resolution No. 1092 formally expresses the Council’s support for Oklahoma Public School teachers. It urges the Oklahoma Legislature to provide pay raises for school teachers and support staff and to provide sufficient funding for public schools. Staff recommends that the Council approve Resolution No. 1092 and authorize its execution.
Cost: None
Prepared By: Beth Anne Childs, City Attorney
Reviewed By: Assistant City Manager-Administration
Approved By: Michael L. Spurgeon, City Manager
Attachments: Resolution No. 1092
Recommendation:
Approve Resolution No. 1092 and authorize its execution.