Editor’s note: This is the second story about the legislative session. The first story looked at the State of the State address. Look for future stories relating to the legislative session.
Duncan Middle School teachers Mark Monteith, Derrick Miller and Cathy Barker take a quick photo with Sen. Chris Kidd on Tuesday at the Oklahoma State Capitol.
On Feb. 3, a group of Duncan teachers attended the State of the State address at the Oklahoma State Capitol. On Tuesday, more Duncan teachers returned to the Capitol to advocate for public education.
DMS humanities teacher Cathy Barker was among those teachers.
Barker is the ADE Advocacy chair for the Duncan Legislative Advocacy Team. Through the team, Barker remains active at the State Capitol.
She said the State of the State address reflected a positive approach to public education. Last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt set his sights on bringing Oklahoma education into the top 10 in the nation.
“He (Stitt) talked about public education and how he wants to improve it. He also said that he wants to increase industry,” Barker said.
Although she liked the governor’s approach to public education, she said there are some concerns about things he mentioned in this State of the State address.
“I didn’t agree with the fact that he thought private schools deserved more money than public schools,” Barker said. “I think they deserve the same amount of money.”
With legislative session underway, Barker and other teachers are making contacts with senators and representatives. Barker said Duncan is fortunate to have legislators who are education friendly.
“They want the best for schools,” she said.
Duncan’s legislators include Rep. Marcus McEntire, Rep. Brad Boles, Sen. Chris Kidd and Sen. Paul Scott.
Barker said it is important for teachers to talk to their legislators and go to the Capitol during legislative session.
“It is important because teachers are the voice for their students,” she said. “There is not enough equipment for all of the students and staff. We are the support staff for all of you guys (the students), and all of our other staff.”
She said there are several changes she would like to see during this session, but the top priority will always be public education.
“More money for public education because I don’t feel like public ed gets the money it deserves,” Baker said.
