Board votes to restore bonuses for speech, hearing, psych professionals

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma education officials say they have voted to restore a $5,000 bonus for 730 nationally certified speech-language pathologists, audiologists, and school psychologists.
A release from the Oklahoma State Board of Education says the panel approved the plan Thursday. State budget officials must still approve a $3.65 million transfer from a flexible benefit allowance for the bonus to be paid.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister says the stipend is included in a state statute, but the annual incentive has been cut the past two years.
Hofmeister said state budget cuts must be restored to keep offering the bonus.