As Oklahoma voters prepare to decide State Question 832 on June 16, school support staff across the state are closely watching a proposal that could raise wages for thousands of employees working in public schools.
The ballot measure would gradually increase Oklahoma’s minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour by 2029, with annual increases tied to inflation afterward. While state and federal employees would be exempt, the proposal would apply to workers employed by public schools, counties and local governments.
The measure has become a flashpoint in the broader debate over wages, government spending and workforce recruitment, particularly in Oklahoma’s public schools, where support staff often earn significantly less than teachers and administrators.
According to an analysis by Oklahoma Voice, more than 40,000 Oklahomans work in school support positions, with average annual base pay of about $21,200. Many of those employees work as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, paraprofessionals and office staff.
Supporters argue the proposal would help school districts attract and retain workers while providing relief to employees struggling with rising living costs.
Tierra Landrum, a school secretary in McAlester Public Schools, told Oklahoma Voice that the increase could allow her to reduce reliance on a second job and spend more time with her family.
Advocates for SQ 832 contend that lawmakers have failed to address stagnant wages for many support employees despite increases in overall education funding.
“Support positions are essential to public schools,” Landrum told Oklahoma Voice, arguing that many workers continue to struggle to cover basic expenses despite recent education investments.
Opponents, however, warn that the measure could place additional financial pressure on school districts already facing rising operating costs.
Eufaula Public Schools Superintendent Monty Guthrie told Oklahoma Voice that a $15 minimum wage would likely require additional state funding for districts to absorb the higher payroll costs. He also cautioned that raising minimum pay could create pressure to increase wages for employees already earning above the new threshold.
The Oklahoma State Chamber has similarly argued that SQ 832 could lead to higher taxes or reductions in public services if government entities are required to fund higher wages without additional revenue sources.
Gov. Kevin Stitt has publicly opposed the proposal, calling it a “terrible policy” and criticizing provisions that would allow future wage increases tied to inflation.
State Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who chairs the Senate Education Committee and is currently seeking the office of state superintendent, also opposes the measure. Pugh told Oklahoma Voice that while support staff deserve better pay, SQ 832 would create an unfunded mandate for schools and could force difficult budget decisions at the local level.
The debate comes as Oklahoma school districts continue grappling with workforce shortages and competition for employees in a tight labor market. Supporters view the ballot measure as a direct path to raising wages, while critics argue compensation increases should come through legislative action and additional state appropriations rather than a statewide mandate.
Voters will decide the fate of State Question 832 during Oklahoma’s June 16 election.
Source: Oklahoma Voice reporting by Nuria Martinez-Keel, republished by The Oklahoman.
