Barresi says flat education funding will result in $11.5 million shortfall
By KIM ARCHER World Staff Writer on May 24, 2012, at 10:12 AM Updated on 5/25/12 at 3:53 AM
State Superintendent Janet Barresi. DAVID McDANIEL/NewsOK.com/File Photo
Education
Peter Markes always knew he wanted to teach. But it wasn't until he started making money playing the guitar in high school that Oklahoma's 2014 Teacher of the Year figured out he could combine the two.
If Luis Delarosa didn't know that he was missed at Thoreau Demonstration Academy before, his classmates literally spelled it out for him Tuesday.
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OKLAHOMA CITY -- State Superintendent Janet Barresi said Thursday that it appears education will see a shortfall of $11.5 million in the activities fund in next year due to an expected flat budget.
"It looks like the appropriations will be at the same levels at last year," she said at a meeting of the State Board of Education. "We were looking forward to a slight increase.
We didn't get that."
She said the standstill budget will result in less money for the activities fund.
"We're going to have to make some very tough decisions," Barresi said.
The shortfall could mean less funding for remediation in Achieving Classroom Excellence, which refers to the tests students are now required to pass to graduate from high school.
It could also affect scholarship money for those in advanced placement classes and other vital programs, she said.
"I appeal to the state Legislature to help us," Barresi said, adding that the budget situation is fluid at the moment.
Legislative leaders and the Governor's Office are working to reach a budget agreement before the session ends.
"We're fighting very hard to bring this about," Barresi said.
Read more on this story in Friday's Tulsa World.
Education
Peter Markes always knew he wanted to teach. But it wasn't until he started making money playing the guitar in high school that Oklahoma's 2014 Teacher of the Year figured out he could combine the two.
If Luis Delarosa didn't know that he was missed at Thoreau Demonstration Academy before, his classmates literally spelled it out for him Tuesday.
CONTACT THE REPORTER
918-581-8315
Email
