OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — While the Oklahoma State Department of Education claims there are no problems with the Teacher Empowerment Fund, the Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore say otherwise.

HB 4388 was signed into law in 2022 to provide progression incentive bonuses to eligible teachers in Oklahoma.

Last year, funding for the program was called into question.

According to Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, $22.58 million worth of Oklahoma Lottery proceeds were added to the fund in September.

Officials say teachers chosen for eligible district programs will get the following increases annually for each designation:

• Advanced – Minimum $3,000 from the district with a $3,000 state match;
• Lead – Minimum $5,000 from the district with a $5,000 state match; and
• Master – Minimum $10,000 from the district with a $10,000 state match

These funds allow districts to identify and designate up to 10% of their teachers as advanced, lead, or master teachers twice per year.

Depending on the designation level, teacher contracts will include additional days and, at
minimum, a $3,000 to $10,000 salary increase from the district that will be matched by Teacher
Empowerment Funds.

Teachers employed at an economically disadvantaged school (40% or more) or teachers at a district with enrollment below 1,000 students will receive an additional one-time award of $1,500 to $5,000 depending on their designation. Districts are not limited to a maximum salary increase. However, the state match will not exceed $40,000 per designation.

Funds are available for those that apply on a first come, first serve basis until funding is exhausted, according to OSDE.

“There are no problems with the Teacher Empowerment Fund,” said the Oklahoma State Department of Education Director of Communications, Dan Isett.

However, News 4 asked Governor Kevin Stitt about the program on Friday and he said he is aware of an issue with funding.

“I have not talked to Ryan Walters about it, but I am aware of it. I’ve talked to a few of the lawmakers. Hopefully they’ve come up with a resolution. It’s pretty much in the weeds on how they wrote the law and how the Department of Education’s interpreting the rules. But it’s our intent to get all teachers a pay rise,” stated Gov. Stitt. “The intent is, let’s get this across the finish line. Let’s stop playing politics. Let’s get these teachers paid. I need the best teachers teaching in the classroom.”

The Governor explained the legislature is working to change the current law on the Teacher Empowerment Fund.

“We are aware of the issues surrounding certain districts and the pay raises. The Senate, as well as members of the House have been in communication with SDE and we have a legislative fix we are working collaboratively on to remedy this issue to ensure all teachers receive the pay raises the legislature fully funded last year and we are absolutely committed to delivering on our promise.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat (R-OKC)

Both the Senate and the House are currently working on legislation that would clarify the program and list those school districts claiming to have not received any funding from this program to ensure they do receive the money.