OKLAHOMA CITY — State Rep. John Waldron, D-Tulsa, today released the following statement in opposition of House Bills 2074 and 2078 – legislation that looks to allow open district transfers.

“The problem with these bills is their starting premise that Oklahoma school districts are failing because they lack competition.

“Despite the author’s concerns, there are no failing Oklahoma schools. Some of our districts are in crisis due to a lack of resources stemming from various reasons, not least among them being this body’s inability to consistently fund public education.

“Oklahoma public schools do great work every day in meeting the needs of our students and families.

“In times of despair, we shouldn’t be looking to punish the schools among us with the least resources. Changing the budget formula during a pandemic would exacerbate the problems struggling schools currently face.

“Our goal in the Legislature should be to increase investments in every school district, so every child can succeed. It’s time to push back against the tired narrative that blames public schools for the resource inequity we know current policy creates.”