State school board member, education advocates say Walters’ canceled meeting left hundreds of teachers without full pay

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma State Board of Education members say hundreds of newly hired teachers have gone without full pay for a month after State Superintendent Ryan Walters abruptly canceled last month’s board meeting.

The issue affects non-certified teachers who are filling full-time positions amid the state’s teacher shortage.

State law requires those teachers to be paid at the same rate as substitutes unless the board votes to allow districts to give them full-time pay.

Former substitute teacher Erika Wright said the difference is substantial.

“It is not even comparable to what a full-time teacher would be paid for their job,” Wright said. The board had planned to take up a vote on the matter last month, but Walters canceled the meeting at the last minute. Board members held