In his eighth and final State of the State address, Gov. Kevin Stitt reflected on his tenure as governor and what he hopes will be his lasting legacy: an administration that ushered in historic state savings, financial security, and a willingness to challenge long-standing norms.
Stitt highlighted major investments in public education, including the 2024 $500 million increase in school funding and the state’s largest teacher pay raise. He also pointed to final reforms he would like to see enacted this year, including:
- appointing the State Superintendent of Public Instruction instead of electing the office
- abolishing the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA)
- removing the Parental Choice Tax Credit earning cap
- eliminating the requirement that proposed charter schools receive sponsorship from local school boards
House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton both expressed support for Stitt’s proposal to appoint the state superintendent rather than elect the position. Paxton, however, broke with Stitt on removing the tax credit earning cap, explaining, “I’m going to say what I’ve always said: I think lifting the cap on anything is irresponsible.”
As Stitt prepares to leave office, his often contentious relationship with the state Legislature lingers, adding uncertainty to the fate of his education proposals.
To watch Stitt’s final State of the State address, please tap here.