In re: Initiative Petition No. 384
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has rejected an initiative petition to require 65% of school operational funds be spent in the classroom. The court found the brief written descriptions at the top of each signature page failed to adequately describe the proposal. The so-called "65% solution" is part of a national campaign led by Internet entrepreneur Patrick Byrne. It was supported by Tulsa businessman Bob Sullivan last year in his unsuccessful campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. But members of the Oklahoma State School Boards Association (OSSBA) challenged the plan in a lawsuit which says the requirement would cripple student services like free lunches, transportation and medical services. OSSBA Director Keith Ballard contends how money is spent on education should be determined by local school boards.
In re: Initiative Petition No. 384
[Full opinion]
KTEN
By Associated Press
[Full story]
[Editor’s Note: Details on the proposal and the motives behind it are available below. See also an OSSBA Power Point presentation and a fact sheet detailing what school expenses would not be included in the 65% calculation. The website of the organization promoting the proposal also is linked below. ]
[NSBA School Law pages on "65 percent solution"]
[OSSBA "The 65 Deception" presentation]
[OSSBA fact sheet]
[First Class Education website]