"The explanation requiring the fewest assumptions is most likely to be correct." The theory of Occam's Razor applies here in the great state of Oklahoma where teacher pay is concerned. Yes, it is a fact that our teachers are morbidly underpaid and deserve more than what they are getting in terms of compensation as well as respect. This being the case, I believe that our indifferent legislature has an answer right at the fingertips but are frightened to touch it.
The bottom line: Our administrative costs are too high in public education. It's time to reduce the number of school superintendents and consolidate their respective district administrative functions. Seriously...why does Oklahoma City need like 6 of them? The answer is that it's not necessary. And no, I'm not talking about consolidating schools so the rural districts can ease up on the panic that somehow their schools will lose their identity. That kind of thinking reminds me of the Dillon Panthers from Friday Night Lights. It's ridiculous and the time is now for real, demonstrative change in how we educate our kids and how we pay for said education.
Anyone who tells you that we can't consolidate administrative functions is flat-out lying or they have kissed a final farewell to their minds.
Courage. It requires courage to lead and it requires courage to do the right thing by our students. Enough is enough. Teachers don't need to go on strike; they need the legislature to do right by them and develop some testicular fortitude.
Of course, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong. But I seriously doubt it.
Ron "Gorilla" Black