Politics
Oklahoma education agency proposes $4.4 billion budget, citing insurance costs and school support
The state Department of Education is seeking a $123 million increase for fiscal year 2028, with most of the additional funding intended to cover employee health insurance. The proposal also includes regional educator training centers and expanded literacy coaching, but lawmakers will decide next spring whether to approve it.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is asking lawmakers for a $123 million budget increase for fiscal year 2028, a proposal that would bring the agency’s total budget to about $4.4 billion.
The department finalized its request ahead of the next legislative session. About $110 million of the increase would help cover employee health insurance costs, Deputy Superintendent of Operations and Administration Kristen Stephens said.
Stephens said the state’s contribution toward employee premiums had not increased in three years, and the request reflects the cost of catching up after premium rates rose.
The proposal sets aside another $7 million to establish regional training centers around Oklahoma. The centers are intended to bring support closer to local school districts and reduce educators’ need to travel to Oklahoma City for training, Stephens said.
The agency also wants to expand literacy coaching. Stephens said stronger reading skills are a foundation for improving student outcomes statewide. Other requested funds would go toward assessments, building improvements and agency operations.
The proposal is not yet approved. A department representative is expected to present it to House and Senate appropriations committees during next spring’s legislative session, when lawmakers will consider and vote on the request.