Bill > SB699

This bill modifies Oklahoma's school accreditation law to provide additional procedural protections for school districts when the State Board of Education is considering changing their accreditation status. Specifically, the bill requires that before the Board can classify a school district with deficiencies, warnings, probation, or non-accredited status, the district must be given an opportunity to request a due process hearing. The district will receive notice by certified mail and will have ten business days to request a hearing; failure to request a hearing within that timeframe will be considered a waiver of the right to a hearing. The State Board of Education is directed to develop and promulgate rules establishing the specific due process procedures, including notice requirements and hearing protocols. The bill aims to ensure that school districts have a formal opportunity to address potential accreditation issues and defend themselves before facing significant administrative action. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, and the bill includes an emergency clause suggesting the immediate importance of these procedural modifications to public education governance in Oklahoma.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb699&Session=2600