The 2025 legislative session in Oklahoma has formally begun, and Tulsa Representative Michelle McCane has made one of the most important proposals this year.
House Bill 1020, which would extend the Oklahoma Promise program to children of public school staff, is being brought to the House floor by McCane.
If enacted, this law will make Oklahoma Promise benefits available to any kid of a public school educator who has worked for the state for at least five years in a row.
Although there are income eligibility limitations, Oklahoma Promise is a state-funded scholarship program that offers students free tuition to attend a public in-state college or university.
The parent’s adjusted gross income must fall below a specific threshold in order to be eligible. The program, which currently has about 10,000 youngsters enrolled, has been an invaluable resource for many families in Oklahoma.
In an effort to recognize the vital role that school staff members play in the state’s educational system, McCane’s measure would expand this benefit to include children of public school personnel who have devoted a substantial amount of time to the field.
Having worked as a public schoolteacher at McLain High School and Traice Academy in the past, McCane has a solid experience in education and recognizes the value of assisting the workforce that is crucial in determining the future of Oklahoma’s students.
“I wanted to find a way to address the teachers and staff members who have dedicated themselves to this profession and ease some of their burdens,” she stated.
Her opinion on the necessity of recognizing and rewarding the arduous efforts of school staff has been molded by her experience as an educator and her strong connection to the classroom.
The severe teacher shortage that Oklahoma is currently experiencing has gotten worse in recent years. The Oklahoma Department of Education reports that during the 2022–2023 academic year, more than 6,000 instructors did not return to the classroom.
Approximately half of new teachers quit during the first five years of teaching, and approximately 1,000 teachers quit after their first year.
McCane ascribes this dilemma to elements like inadequate compensation and a lack of regard for public school workers, which make it more challenging to keep staff members and teachers in the field.
“Having been both a teacher and a support employee, I recognize that we face a significant teacher shortage alongside a pressing shortage of support staff. We need to explore every possible avenue for retaining and attracting quality educators,” she stated.
Rep. McCane feels that by giving public school employees more support, House Bill 1020 can help address this issue.
In addition to lessening the financial strains on public school workers, the bill’s proposal to expand Oklahoma Promise benefits would inspire more people to think about long-term careers in education, strengthening and stabilizing Oklahoma’s teaching workforce.
Under the current proposal, students would still need to apply for Oklahoma Promise between the eighth and eleventh grades in order to be eligible for the enhanced benefits.
The significant change is that children of qualified school employees can now apply for this award, but the schedule is still the same.
McCane has voiced hope that her idea will be well received, pointing to fruitful discussions with lawmakers from both parties.
Arkansas Nurse Charged After Attempting to Purchase Oxycodone Using Deceased Patient’s ID
With sustained support, House Bill 1020 may be a significant step toward alleviating the urgent teacher shortage in Oklahoma and honoring the commitment of public school staff.
“I remain optimistic about gaining support moving forward,” she stated.
