House Passes Bill To Raise Teacher Pay, Union Says “April 2 is still on”

  • Emily Wendler

In a late-night attempt to stave off a statewide teacher walkout, the Oklahoma House passed a series of bills that gives teachers a $5,000 to $7,000 raise – depending on their experience.

The package of bills also raises pay for school support staff and state employees, however it’s not clear if the legislation – as written – is enough to keep teachers from descending on the Capitol on April 2nd.

In a brief statement, the state’s largest teachers union — the Oklahoma Education Association — said it’s is a step in the right direction, “but our ask is still our ask.”

The union wants a $10,000 pay raise over three years. If lawmakers don’t hit the $10,000 mark this session, the union wants assurances lawmakers will increase pay over the next two years.

Debate on the measures now starts in the Senate.