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Education cuts prompt revolt, despair in Okla.

Posted at 3:06 PM, May 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-05 16:06:40-04

TULSA (AP) -- Oklahoma educators and parents say the latest round of proposed funding cuts to schools could have devastating consequences for students, as the state suffers its worst-ever budget crisis.

Hobbled by a crash in the oil and natural gas industry, Oklahoma also is dealing with reduced tax revenue following income tax cuts.

Republican Gov. Mary Fallin has proposed an increase in funding next year for K-12 education by about 4.6 percent from current adjusted spending of nearly $2.4 billion.

RELATED: Educators split on Education Savings Accounts, new poll shows likely voters support ESA system | Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education approved plan to cut 142 teaching positions

But her plan to pay for it, which includes issuing road bonds to free up cash, have received a frosty reception in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

Schools large and small across the state are already slashing teaching positions and extracurricular activities, and bracing to make more cuts.