GOP Senators Voice Opposition to Forced Consolidation of Schools

At a news conference Wednesday at the Oklahoma State Capitol, a group of Republican state senators pledged to fight any effort at the Oklahoma Legislature to force the consolidation of rural school districts.

“If forced consolidation is attempted by this Legislature, I predict that you will see widespread opposition by the Senate Republican Caucus – and not just by rural members,” stated Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, Assistant Republican Floor Leader in the Oklahoma State Senate. “I think you will see many urban and suburban Republicans joining us to stop it.”

Laughlin is chairman of the newly formed Senate Republican Rural Caucus.

“Forced public school consolidation is a bad idea. In most rural communities, the local school is the main source of a town’s identity and pride. Consolidation does not save enough money to justify the damage it would do to so many of our rural communities,” said Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, a former school board member.

Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole, said his rural Senate district opposes school consolidation. “I know first-hand how important our rural schools are. I attended Strother schools growing up, and graduated from there. I know there are literally thousands of parents who feel their children are safer and happier in their rural schools. It’s a way of life we need to protect for Oklahoma families throughout the state,” he said.

“Unfortunately, because a few urban Republicans have supported forced school consolidation in the past, all Republicans tend to get painted as supporting consolidation. The fact is, most Republican legislators oppose it, and that’s why we’re here today to set the record straight,” stated Sen. David Myers, R-Ponca City.

Also participating in the news conference were Senators Patrick Anderson, R-Enid; Don Barrington, R-Lawton; John Ford, R-Bartlesville; and Ron Justice, R-Chickasha.

In all, more than a third of the 22-member Republican Caucus in the Oklahoma Senate represent significantly rural Senate districts. This week, the rural Republican members voted to form the Senate Republican Rural Caucus, and named Laughlin its chairman.