State Superintendent Ryan Walters has submitted a $4 billion budget request for the Oklahoma State Department of Education, about $21.1 million more than the agency received this year.

Wednesday night, Walter announced that he plans to resign, but has not submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Kevin Stitt.

The proposal includes a $23 million increase for the flexible benefits allowance, which covers health insurance for teachers. Walters said the estimate is driven largely by rising insurance premiums.

“Last year, to give you that context, the flexible benefit allowance increase was upwards of $80 million,” Walters said.

While proposing more money for health insurance, Walters also suggested a $2.58 million cut to public school activities, including funding for Imagine Math and Imag

See Full Page