The Democratic nominee maintained her opposition to the program but discussed tighter eligibility after a microschool operator challenged her during a telephone town hall.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Democratic gubernatorial nominee Cyndi Munson said she would be willing to discuss narrowing Oklahoma’s private-school tax-credit program, even as she maintained her opposition to using public money for private education.
The issue arose during Munson’s first campaign telephone town hall Monday when a special education teacher said she had opened a private microschool after watching students struggle. She said families at the school rely heavily on the Parental Choice Tax Credit and are frightened by Munson’s promise to eliminate it.
Microschools are small, often tuition-based schools that typically serve about 15 students and emphasize more personalized and flexible instruction than traditional schools. Their organization and size can vary.
The caller said she supported greater accountability for private schools and limiting the program based on family income but wanted Munson to consider the effect that ending it would have on families using it for special education.
“My personal position on private school vouchers is that I am opposed,” Munson said. She said public money should go to public schools, which are subject to accountability and oversight.
Munson’s campaign platform calls for repealing the tax credit. But she said members of the House Democratic Caucus had sought lower income thresholds and additional restrictions intended to direct assistance toward lower-income families and students needing special education.
Munson said she would talk with Republican lawmakers about reining in the program if they were willing to ensure that assistance went to families with the greatest need.
“I’m happy to have those conversations,” she said.
Munson did not withdraw her support for repeal. Her answer, however, left room for changes short of eliminating the program if it remains in place.
Program expanded to $275 million
The Parental Choice Tax Credit provides a refundable state income-tax credit of $5,000 to $7,500 per student for private-school tuition and fees. A family’s adjusted gross income determines the amount.
The Tax Commission’s Sept. 3 report shows that 46% of approvals in its income table went to students whose parent or legal guardian had federal adjusted gross income above $150,000. Those approvals accounted for $106.6 million, or 40% of the approved amount listed in the table.
Lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt expanded the program’s annual limit from $250 million to $275 million for the 2026-27 school year.
Supporters describe the program as giving parents more control over where their children attend school. Opponents, including Munson, argue that it redirects public money from public education while imposing fewer accountability requirements on private schools.
Campaign reports more than 60,000 participants
Munson campaign spokesperson Rebecca Corbett said more than 60,000 people participated in the hourlong call and more than 70 submitted questions.
It was the campaign’s first telephone town hall. No additional calls are scheduled, although Corbett said another could be held closer to the Nov. 3 election.
Other callers asked about electric bills, income taxes, rural hospitals, agriculture, tribal relations, incarceration, veterans, data centers and artificial intelligence.
Munson faces Republican nominee Mike Mazzei, a former state senator and budget secretary, and three independent candidates in November. No Democrat has won an Oklahoma governor’s race since 2006.
