Schools seek better revenue

The Norman (Okla.) Transcript: Oklahoma public schools are bracing for another tough round of budget talks during the spring session of the state legislature. The Oklahoma State Board of Education is asking for a $157 million increase for the next fiscal year.

Good luck. Lawmakers seem more intent on further cuts in state appropriations. Revenues are coming in above projections but some lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation reducing or eliminating the personal income tax which funds more than a third of all government services.

Schools are beginning to push back. Norman superintendent Joe Siano told a recent Chamber of Commerce board meeting that Norman schools are functioning at about the same funding level provided in 2006 with 2,000 more students.