OKLAHOMA HOUSE, SENATE ADVANCE SCHOOL-BOARD ELECTION REFORM

Committees in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the state Senate have advanced bills that would move school-board elections to the November ballot to dramatically increase voter participation.

House Bill 1151, by state Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, would shift school board elections to June and November from the current February and April election dates. The measure also standardizes term lengths for board members by making both elementary district boards and independent district boards four-year terms.

Senate Bill 6, by state Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, would move school board elections so they align with the general election in November.

“Aligning school board elections with legislative cycles makes sense for taxpayers and voters,” Banning said. “This change will increase turnout, save school districts millions, and ensure board members are elected in a way that better reflects community engagement.”



https://ocpathink.org/post/independent-journalism/oklahoma-house-senate-advance-school-board-election-reform