Classroom

A split decision Thursday from the Oklahoma State Board of Education is drawing praise from supporters of charter schools and criticism from traditional public schools who say the action is unconstitutional and poses a threat to public school districts already struggling for funding.

The board of education voted 4-3 to approve a resolution that would settle a lawsuit filed in Oklahoma County District Court in 2017 by the Oklahoma Public Charter School Association against the Oklahoma State Board of Education, alleging the state has not fairly funded charter schools. The resolution settles the suit by stating charter schools — recognized in state law as public schools — are entitled to the same General Fund, Building Fund, local revenues and state dedicated revenues paid to public school districts. The change would go into effect July 1, the start of the 2021-2022 school year, under the resolution’s terms.

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