But some legislators, including State Sen. Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) who represents the southern portion or Sequoyah County, think there are better ways to improve teachers' salaries.
The governor estimates it will take an average $1,200 pay increase to bring Oklahoma teachers up to the regional level.
Henry said, "We have great teachers in Oklahoma, but until we pay them a competitive wage, we will continue to lose our best and brightest educators to Texas and other states that offer better salaries. We need to keep the promise we made to our teachers and raise their pay to the regional average."
But Corn disagreed in a press release issued Thursday.
He said, "I sincerely appreciate Gov. Henry's continued commitment to public education, specifically their hard work towards getting Oklahoma teacher salaries to at least the regional average. However, I believe we should be even more aggressive because the regional average is a moving target. As soon as we pass the $1,200 pay raise proposed, that amount will be matched, if not surpassed by our neighboring states.
"A more aggressive approach is exactly what I have outlined in Senate Bill 1710," Corn said. "My legislation includes a three-year plan addressing health insurance and other benefits, including better pay for all education employees. This plan will ensure we will be competitive in recruiting the best and brightest teachers, and keep them here, helping prepare Oklahoma's children for the best future possible."
In 2004 state lawmakers approved Henry's plan to increase teacher health benefits and raise salaries to the regional average. The Legislature has increased compensation incrementally over the past four years, but has not taken Oklahoma educators to the regional rate, Henry pointed out in his press release.
According to the most current salary data reported by the states to the National Education Association, the average teacher salary in Oklahoma is $42,379, the regional average is $43,519 and the national average is $50,816.
The Office of State Finance estimates a $1,200 pay hike would cost about $68.5 million. As in previous years. Henry's proposal would be weighted toward veteran teachers, with educators receiving larger pay increases based on their years of service.
Henry said, "This is not an across-the-board raise. The more classroom experience a teacher has, the larger the pay raise."
Henry said lawmakers can locate enough money in the state's $7 billion budget to pay for teacher raises. The governor will propose a number of efficiency measures in his executive budget in an effort to free up additional resources for priority areas.
Henry said, "If we make the most of our limited resources and direct them where they will do the most good, we can make real progress this year and keep our commitment on teacher pay.
Oklahoma was chided in a recent national report for not paying teachers a better salary. Quality Counts, an annual report by Education Week, gave Oklahoma a C- for teacher pay, noting that teachers were paid only 82 cents on the dollar in comparison to other professions.
Henry said those findings don't help Oklahoma when it comes to competing for new jobs and industry.
"By making teachers and public education a top funding priority, we send the message that Oklahoma is committed to building a highly educated workforce to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. That approach helps our citizens and makes our state more attractive for new and expanding business and industry," Henry said.
The governor will present his entire executive budget proposal to state lawmakers on Feb. 4 when they convene their regular session.
