Voting Yes for 779 is Just the Beginning

By Jim Douthat
Let me start by saying I was opposed to State Question 779 as a means of funding teacher
pay raises amongst other funding matters. I, like many of you, believe this States spending is out
of control. It should be fixed through budget cuts, correcting outrageous spending practices, and
properly charging and collecting taxes from the Oil and Gas industry and other entities who
receive tax breaks because they threaten to leave, decrease production, or any other excuse they
could conjure up. However, I now believe this to be nothing more than a dream. Corporate bias,
including fair tax collection, and caving to lobbyists demands, who in fairness are just doing
their jobs, are a part of many normal practices within our state and federal government. So for
me to think this will change by shouting from the rooftops or electing one individual over
another is simply wasting space and your valuable time. Oklahomas public education system
needs to be fixed now. And it starts by voting yes on State Question 779.
How we got here is something you need to understand though. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2009,
Oklahoma spent an average of $3,275.60 per weighted student. Since then the average has
dropped to $3034.60 in FY 2016. Why? Simply put, the recession and its long lasting effects
coupled with poor budgeting and a lack of a long term planning by our elected officials. It must
be pointed out that the bulk of decrease in per pupil funding has come in two different years;
2010, (84.98) and 2016, (45.00). This accounts for $129.98 of the $241.00 lost in these years. So
simply stated, the State of Oklahoma is spending $241 less per year on your child than it was in
2009, and the demand on schools to provide more for students continues to increase. Meaning
we must do more with less and it is truly hurting your children.

The biggest impact on their education is in the classroom as it relates to the size of their
classes. Teachers within my district alone are seeing class sizes of close to 40 students per class.
In other school districts that number is much higher. The biggest impact on school systems?
Good teachers are leaving and going out of state or giving up on the profession all together. All,
let me repeat, all adjoining states pay more to their teachers than Oklahoma. All of them.
Now consider this. Since 2009 the student population in Oklahoma has grown from
987,000 to 1,123,000 in 2016: An increase of 136,000 students in 7 years, and funding has not
stayed in stride. According to some estimates it would take in excess of $248,000,000 just to
restore the money lost on per pupil spending since 2009. Once again, teachers are doing more
with much less.
As stated early, I hate the thought of raising taxes. If SQ 779 passes it will raise our state
sales tax to over 5.5%, making Oklahoma one of the highest taxed states in the U.S. But, this is
where you need to get involved and asks your representative, why? Wheres the money going?
Why is our infrastructure falling apart, yet we are charged one of the highest sales tax rates in the
COUNTRY? These are legitimate questions and we deserve answers to them.
It is also fair to mention that throwing money at our educational woes and believing all
will be fixed is a drink which is dangerous to consume. According to Education Week,
(edweek.org) the national average spent per pupil is $11,841.00. In places such as Washington
D.C., Detroit and others, the money spent per pupil is this or higher. However, their graduation
and literacy rates are much lower than many areas throughout Oklahoma. Proving Oklahoma
teachers continue to do our jobs in the face of incredible financial hardships.
If State Question 779 were to pass, it would pump an estimated $615 million into
Oklahomas Education system starting in July of 2017. $428 million in Common Education

(public, basically), $118 million in Higher Education, $20 million in Career Tech and $49
million for Early Childhood Grants. Of the $428 million for Common Education, $378 million
would go to giving Oklahoma teachers a $5,000 per year raise. Our first raise in over a decade.
Let that sink in for a minute. The additional $50 million would be spent on local reforms, to
improve reading, high school graduation rates, and support college and career readiness. All of
which will benefit your student and make our public education system stronger in Oklahoma. SQ
779 also contains earmarks allowing these funds to only be appropriated for education and fund
the areas which are specifically laid out in the bill. Furthermore, it is safe to say organizations
such as CCOSA and OEA have rough drafted, if you will, law suits just in case any of our
elected officials get greedy again. This bill has been scrutinized from every angle and its the best
option we have.
In a time when it appears many within the United States have completely lost their minds,
Oklahomans need to stand up for us and its public education system to show the rest of the
United States and more importantly our children theyre a priority and their education matters.
For years we have answered the call going above and beyond for Oklahoma school children,
teaching them, feeding them, caring for them and in some cases saving their lives. We do our part
and its time we get rewarded. This starts by voting yes on SQ 779.