May 30, 2026 Issue, Page 11 of 12

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The Elk City News SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026 • 11 A Statement from the Secretary of Education, Dan Hamlin, on the 2026 Legislative Session OKLAHOMA CITY (May 26, not reading on grade level. While cline in instructional days over the achievement. Lawmakers made across Oklahoma. Under Gover- Choice Tax Credit program. The 2026) - Education policy was cen- much public attention has focused past ten years. the state’s temporary bell-to-bell nor Stitt’s leadership, Oklahoma program has proven exceptionally tral to Oklahoma’s 2026 legislative on retention, the updated Strong Oklahoma’s teachers also re- cell phone ban permanent. The developed a high performing pub- popular with families. In response session. Several major bills bring Readers Act is far more compre- ceived a $2,000 pay raise this policy has received broad sup- lic charter school sector that ranks to strong demand, lawmakers significant changes that will help to hensive in scope. It contains early session – the third teacher pay port from families and educators among the nation’s best. raised the program cap by an ad- set Oklahoma’s education system interventions, intensive supports, increase adopted during Gover- who have seen firsthand how the To help high performing char- ditional $25 million this session, on a new trajectory. The session and teacher training opportunities nor Stitt’s tenure. In addition to elimination of cell phones this ter schools grow, state lawmak- which will allow more families is also gaining national attention designed to improve early literacy across-the-board teacher com- past school year has strengthened ers launched a new revolving to take advantage of the program with Oklahoma increasingly being outcomes before struggling read- pensation, Representative Ronny learning. loan fund this session. The fund while potentially providing oppor- viewed as a state willing to pursue ers reach third grade. Johns and Senator Pugh passed The 2026 legislative session addresses a longstanding chal- tunities for school expansions. ambitious education reform. Lawmakers also increased new teacher compensation incen- also included substantial activity lenge. Unlike district-run public In all, the 2026 legislative session The signature education leg- (House Bill 3151) the minimum tives in HB 4268. One such mea- related to school choice. Among schools, public charter schools delivered sweeping early literacy islation of the session was the number of instructional days from sure provides teachers who obtain Governor Kevin Stitt’s defining cannot access local tax dollars to reform, expanded school choice, strengthening of the Strong Read- 165 to 173 days starting in the National Board Certification with education legacies has been the finance capital infrastructure. The increased instructional time, en- ers Act through Senate Bill 1778. 2027-28 school year. Coupled with an annual $5,000 stipend for five expansion of school choice op- revolving fund will now enable hanced teacher compensation and Authored by Senator Adam Pugh legislation from last year’s session years. Another establishes perfor- portunities. When Governor Stitt charter schools to obtain low-in- incentives, and permanent student and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, limiting schools to two virtual mance-based compensation for first took office, Oklahoma lagged terest financing for capital proj- cell phone restrictions. the bill gives Oklahoma one of days a year, these two policies rep- teachers whose students demon- the nation in school choice policy. ects. Governor Stitt’s final legisla- the most comprehensive reading resent a substantial expansion of strate high levels of academic Today, the state is a national leader One of Governor Stitt’s most tive session has laid an important laws in the country, including an in-person instructional time and growth during the school year. with a robust open transfer system significant choice policies has been foundation for Oklahoma’s future important third-grade retention mark considerable progress as Advancing distraction-free utilized by families to attend ru- the creation of universal private and placed the state’s education provision for students who are Oklahoma has seen a steady de- learning was another major ral, suburban, and urban schools school choice through the Parental system on a new trajectory. Oklahoma Health Care Authority 37 Oklahoma Fifth and Eighth Grade launches AI chatbot to assist with Educators Selected To Attend the Bob SoonerCare members and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute SoonerGuide-created efficiencies will allow human of Colonial Williamsburg agents to focus more on complex member needs OKLAHOMA CITY — Thir- ty-seven Oklahoma educators Oklahoma’s fifth grade teacher institute will take place Phoebe Smith, Jenks East In- termediate School OKLAHOMA CITY – The online chat, they will be greeted “I need help with a letter I re- will immerse themselves in May 31-June 5, while the eighth Jessica Smith, Welch Ele- Oklahoma Health Care Au- with a message that says, “Hi, ceived in the mail” or “How do I early American history this grade teachers will be visiting mentary School thority (OHCA) launched an I’m SoonerGuide, your AI guide change my provider?” summer at the Bob and Marion from June 7-12. Beth Sprague, St. John AI system called SoonerGuide to Oklahoma Medicaid (known “We know that our mem- Wilson Teacher Institute of Co- OFE, a nonpartisan nonprofit Nepomuk Catholic School to quickly assist SoonerCare as SoonerCare). I can assist with bers’ time is valuable.” said lonial Williamsburg. that recognizes and encourages Justin Trujillo, Sequoyah Up- members with questions about information about SoonerCare Clay Bullard, CEO of the Okla- The teachers were selected academic excellence in Oklaho- per Elementary School eligibility, income guidelines programs, eligibility, Insure homa Health Care Authority. to receive fellowships to the re- ma’s public schools, has coordi- Madeline VanDover, Ap- and more. This system will im- Oklahoma and SoonerSelect. “SoonerGuide is our answer to nowned teacher institute, held nated Oklahoma’s participation ple Creek Elementary School prove SoonerCare members’ I provide general information giving members instant access in and around Williamsburg, in the teacher institute since (Moore) experience and help ease wait only and cannot review cases, to answers for common ques- Virginia. The restored capital 1993. The program is made Terisha Wade, Stuart Ele- times that members are experi- determine eligibility or offer tions so that when they need city of 18th-century Virginia is possible through the leadership mentary School encing. The system will also free medical or legal advice. How to speak with someone direct- considered the world’s largest and support of the late Oklaho- Nancy Weber, Rosa Parks El- up valuable OHCA staff time to can I help you today?” Members ly, that time is spent on what’s living history museum. ma City businessman Edward ementary School (Union) focus on more complex mem- will then get answers to their truly unique to their situation. At the teacher institute, ed- C. Joullian III. Joullian was an MaryAnne Whetstone, Ro- ber needs and process eligibility questions in real-time. Mem- We’re confident this will make ucators interact with charac- active supporter and former blyer Middle School (El Reno) verification more efficiently. bers can always choose to speak a real difference for the people ter interpreters, participate in board member of the Colonial Nichole Whitley, Westwood SoonerGuide is available 24/7 with a live representative. we serve.” hands-on activities and col- Williamsburg Foundation and Elementary School (Stillwater) via the SoonerCare Helpline or SoonerGuide will not ask SoonerGuide is now avail- laborate with a facilitator on an OFE trustee. Joullian’s fam- Shanna Willis, Sallie Gillen- on the OHCA website and can members for sensitive informa- able to help members anytime developing lesson plans and in- ily, along with a group of loyal tine Elementary School (Hollis) respond in three languages: En- tion. It will help with questions through the SoonerCare help- teractive teaching techniques. donors, continues to support Diane Wood, Lincoln Ele- glish, Spanish and Vietnamese. such as “What is the income line at 800-987-7767 or by vis- The Oklahoma Foundation the fellowship program, which mentary School (Norman) When members start the call or guideline for a family of 5?” or iting our website. for Excellence coordinates the has served 1,262 Oklahoma selection of educators from the teachers since 1993. EIGHTH GRADE FELLOW- state for fellowships that cov- SHIP RECIPIENTS MERRITT er program activities, airfare, FIFTH GRADE FELLOWSHIP Heather Braucher, Pryor lodging and most meals. Each RECIPIENTS Middle School attendee also receives a $300 Mandy Bonadonna, Elgin April Carter, Spiro Middle stipend for classroom materi- Middle School School als. Madison Boswell, Willard Mallory Hawkins, Riverfield “We’re proud to work with Grade Center (Ada) Country Day School the teacher institute to facil- Natilee Clayton, Overholser Gina Huff, Spiro Upper Ele- itate this exceptional profes- Elementary School (Putnam mentary School sional development experience City) Matthew Jobe, Ewing Halsell for our Oklahoma educators,” Carol Conrad, Jarman Ele- Middle School (Vinita) said OFE Executive Director mentary School (Union) Sasha Kirkpatrick, Alva Mid- Elizabeth Inbody. “This is a Caleb Davis, Westwood Ele- dle School one-of-a-kind opportunity for mentary School (Stillwater) Amy Miller, Comanche High them to immerse themselves in Stacy Doughty, Plainview In- School 18th-century history and learn termediate School Rebekah Newman, Nicoma alongside their peers.” Alexandra Elliott, Windsor Park Middle School (Choc- 2025 attendee Ashleigh Hills Elementary School (Put- taw-Nicoma Park) Schaffer, who teaches at El nam City) Mary Robertson, Fargo-Gage Reno Public Schools’ Etta Dale Amy Fetters, Willard Grade High School Junior High, said the teacher Center (Ada) Ashleigh Schaffer, Etta Dale institute gave her the tools to Susan McGill, Westside Ele- Junior High School (El Reno) bring history to life in engag- mentary School (Claremore) ing, meaningful ways. Emma McQueen, Nichols For more information, con- “By learning directly from Upper Elementary School (Mi- tact Hayley Riggs McGhee, historians and interacting with ami) Communications Director historical interpreters, I gained Hunter Najera, Mayo Oklahoma Foundation for Ex- new strategies to teach prima- Demonstration School (Tulsa) cellence 405-236-0006; hmc- ry sources, encourage critical Janet Neal, McAuliffe Ele- [email protected] thinking and create lessons that mentary School (Union) connect students to the people, Shelby Nobles, Arbor Grove Follow OFE on social media: events and ideas that shaped Elementary School (Putnam Facebook: Facebook.com/ our nation,” Schaffer said. City) OklahomaFoundationforExcel- The 2026 sessions will cel- Monica Peevyhouse, Freder- lence ebrate the 250th anniversary ick Elementary School Instagram: Instagram.com/ of the Declaration of Indepen- Jennifer Ragland, McAuliffe OFExcellence dence with the theme “Revolu- Elementary School (Union) LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/ tionary Roots: Teaching Civic Kristin Reid, Elgin Middle company/OklahomaFounda- Engagement at 250.” School tionforExcellence SUBSCRIBE TODAY We proudly support Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ~ Great Plains Bank Current news and great deals delivered 580.225.1525 ~ First National right to your door! LocalLoanGroup.com Bank