USSA believes that workforce development is critical to the economic future of our State. We believe that the cornerstone of workforce development is Oklahoma’s PreK-12 Public Schools. We look forward to working with the legislature and executive branch of state government to make legislative and policy changes that will allow our students to be prepared for the work opportunities that will exist for them when they complete their post-secondary education.
1. USSA supports an increase in operational funding for public school districts which will bring Oklahoma per pupil expenditure to the regional average. This increase is necessary to provide students with the resources they need to be prepared for the post- secondary education of their choice.
2. USSA supports a pay increase for teachers with the goal of raising Oklahoma teacher compensation to first in the region.
3. USSA supports an increase in state textbook allocation that reflects the cost of print and digital textbooks.
4. USSA supports the ongoing full funding of health insurance for certified and support staff.
5. USSA supports legislation to protect and preserve the Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System as a defined benefit plan and to provide a cost-of-living adjustment for retired TRS members.
6. USSA supports the following solutions to help with the ongoing teacher shortage: full reciprocity for teachers with out-of-state certificates, legislation to immediately allow retired teachers to return to the classroom without restrictions on earnings, the creation of programs that will increase the number of college graduates who obtain teacher certification, student loan forgiveness programs for individuals who teach in Oklahoma schools for five years, and a review of the current pathways to teacher certification.
7. USSA supports legislation that will make school districts equal partners with city and county governments in the development and approval of Tax Increment Financing Districts financed by ad valorem revenue.
8. USSA supports codifying due process rights for individuals facing disciplinary action from the State Board of Education that would result in the suspension or revocation of their teaching certificates.
9. USSA believes that all schools receiving public funding, including those that benefit from tax credits, should be subject to the same financial and academic accountability measures as all public schools.
10. USSA supports legislation establishing due process for school sites and or school districts when the State Board of Education is considering action that will change their accreditation status.
11. USSA supports Oklahoma’s participation in the summer EBT program for low-income students and urges the legislature to fund this program if the state rejects federal funding.