For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2004
.
Senator Kenneth Corn
Career Tech Reform Bill Passes Senate
State
Senator Kenneth
Corn (D-Poteau) has won Senate approval for legislation
to bring reforms to the Career Tech system. SB 1112 will
provide greater accountability to Oklahoma taxpayers.
Pointing to concerns throughout the Career Tech system in
Oklahoma, Corn worked throughout the interim to produce
these proposed changes that he says are common sense solutions
to prevent the problems from occurring again.
“I am very pleased SB 1112 passed the full Senate
today. As a product of Oklahoma’s Career Tech system
I know firsthand the vital skills students learn from its
programs,” said Corn. “I am committed to produce
reforms that will allow Oklahoma’s Career Tech system
to continue teaching our students skills that are inherent
to career advancement.”
Recent audit reports and other allegations have called into
question the use of Career Tech resources at three districts
across the state. Corn said the problems stem from the lack
of oversight ability by the State Career Tech Board and
the lack of public accountability. He said having greater
oversight and accountability could bring such problems to
light for resolution in a quick and fair manner that would
not detract from the System’s central mission of education.
The senator stated he supports the local control in place
for the system, but there needs to be higher accountability
when such serious problems arise. Under provisions of SB
1112, the length of a technology center school district
board member’s term of office would be limited to
five years.
“Our Career Tech Systems do an outstanding job in
producing students with skills that allow them to succeed.
These reforms will protect this vital education system and
restore the public trust in its mission,” said Senator
Corn.
Corn has served on advisory councils for the system, was
named a Career Tech champion and stated this is a great
opportunity to strengthen the system and return the focus
to educating young Oklahomans. The measure has the support
of the Oklahoma Vocational Association as well as the State
Department of Career Tech.
SB 1112 will now be sent to the House of Representatives
to be heard in committee and then to the House floor.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Division- (405) 521-5574
