For Immediate Release: January 12, 2006


Senator Jay Paul Gumm

The author of a proposal to end forced school consolidation said Thursday that rural Oklahoma wants consolidation decisions in its hands – not with judges, bureaucrats or politicians.

Senator Jay Paul Gumm made the comment in the wake of speculation that a lawsuit by the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) against Oklahoma’s education funding system could lead to forced consolidation of school districts.

Gumm introduced Senate Joint Resolution 35. The measure, if passed by the Legislature, would give Oklahoma voters a chance to amend the constitution to end the concept of forced school consolidation.

“Placing that policy in the Oklahoma Constitution would ensure that no one could force school districts to consolidate without the approval of voters in the affected school districts – regardless of the outcome of the OEA lawsuit,” Gumm said.

Amber England, Leadership Communications Assistant
State Capitol: (405) 521-5695
Email: england@oksenate.gov