OKLAHOMA CITY – State Representative Chad Caldwell today voiced strong support for Gov. Stitt's recent executive order that requires a thorough analysis of how funds are allocated and expended across school districts and school sites throughout Oklahoma. The new directive aims to increase transparency and accountability in Oklahoma’s public education system.

The Executive Order requires the development of a comprehensive Oklahoma Public Schools Revenue Report to evaluate how nearly $4 billion in annual education funding is allocated and spent across the state.

Caldwell said since 2018, the Legislature has increased total education funding by more than 50 percent, including teacher salaries.

"Taxpayers deserve a clear, honest accounting of how their dollars are being used in our classrooms," he said. "This Executive Order is an important step toward ensuring that education funding is transparent, efficient, and ultimately focused on improving outcomes for Oklahoma students."

The report will analyze key financial metrics, including revenue sources, per-pupil spending, instructional expenditures, and administrative costs. It also will examine spending efficiency across school districts and assess how resources correlate with instructional time delivered to students. 

Caldwell noted that recent data presented from the Oklahoma State Department of Education underscores the importance of this effort. Despite record increases in education funding in recent years, schools are allocating a smaller share of those dollars to direct classroom instruction than they did just five years ago.

On Tuesday, Caldwell passed House Bill 3711, which would require public schools to post the percentage of funding they spend on instruction on their websites and in any bond proposals.  

“One of the concerns we continue to hear is that even with historic investments in education, too little of that money is making its way into the classroom,” Caldwell said. “Transparency is the first step toward fixing that problem.” 

The Executive Order directs the Secretary of Education, in coordination with the Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, to complete the report by Aug. 31, 2026. State agencies are required to provide all necessary data to support a thorough and accurate analysis.