The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

Related Photos

  • Gov. Mary Fallin prepares to address the joint session of the state Senate and House of Representatives at the Capitol Monday afternoon as Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb (left) and Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon (second from left) applaud. (CNHI Photo by DREW HARMON/THE EDMOND SUN)

    state of the state.jpg

Discussion

February 8, 2013

Local school officials not thrilled with Mary Fallin’s State of the State address

Enid News & Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Gov. Mary Fallin’s State of the State address didn’t have many people doing cartwheels.

In fact, it was kind of just there. It wasn’t an inspiring speech. It was pretty matter of fact and business-like.

In her speech, Fallin outlined her call for a cut in the state income tax of .25 percent, from 5.25 percent to 5 percent.

She also called for more changes to the state’s pensions that would reduce the unfunded liability of the major systems, an overhaul of the workers’ compensation system and an immediate boost in funding for repairs to the Capitol and teacher benefits.

Local school officials, though, were disappointed in what they heard from the governor.

Enid Public Schools Superintendent Shawn Hime, speaking at Monday’s school board meeting, clearly was not thrilled.

“I will tell you, it was about as depressing a State of the State address as I’ve heard in my years in education and in my years as an Oklahoma resident,” Hime said.

State funding, he said, is down $477 for each of the district’s 7,529 students.

The school district is gaining students, though, and thus garnering more money from the state.

But overall, collections and revenue for the district are “pretty flat, or might even be down for this year,” Hime said.

He also said the federal government awards money to states based on each state’s per-student spending, so a hit from the state means another hit from the federal government.

Fallin did propose a $13.5 million increase for the state Department of Education.

There are a lot of issues facing the state. We’re interested in seeing how Fallin leads, and how lawmakers work this session.

Text Only
Opinion
Featured Ads
AP Video
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
NDN Video
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out
Seasonal Content
House Ads