Senator Pugh Advances Key Education Priority Measures

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senator Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, today advanced several education priority measures in the Senate Education Committee.

The policies were part of Senator Pugh’s education agenda and aim to improve school accreditation and due process for districts and educators. 

“These bills reflect our commitment to strengthening Oklahoma’s education system by providing clear standards and ensures due process for districts and teachers,” Senator Pugh, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee said. “I appreciate the support of my colleagues in advancing these critical pieces of legislation. These reforms are designed to provide stability and accountability in our schools. I look forward to continuing our efforts to improve education policy in our state throughout this Legislative Session.”

The measures that passed the committee include:

• Senate Bill 707 – Modifies school accreditation procedures by directing the State Board of Education to adopt standards for accrediting school districts instead of individual school sites. It establishes a four-year accreditation cycle beginning in the 2025-2026 school year and removes provisions allowing interruptions to the cycle.
• Senate Bill 699 – Enhances due process for school districts facing accreditation status changes. It requires the State Board of Education to provide districts with notice and an opportunity for a hearing before taking action related to deficiencies, warnings, probation or non-accreditation.
• Senate Bill 797 – Establishes clear guidelines for the suspension or revocation of a teacher’s license or certificate. The measure ensures that educators receive due process before disciplinary action is taken and mandates notification to both the teacher and the employing district at least five days before action is taken.

The bills now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

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