The Oklahoma House Education Committee voted Wednesday to streamline access to a state scholarship program for children with special needs, setting off a partisan debate over accountability and parental choice.
Bill to eliminate public school waiting period
Senate Bill 105, authored by Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, eliminates the requirement that students must attend public school for one year before they can receive the Lindsey Nicole Henry (LNH) Scholarship. The program, established in 2010, helps families of children with disabilities, such as those with autism, use state funds to pay for private school tuition. Scholarships range from $4,196 to $22,236 per student, depending on their diagnosis.
Currently, even if public schools don’t meet their child’s needs and parents find a private school that’s a good fit, they must wait a year before applying. Caldwell argues that this unfairly targets families with special needs because other school choice programs have no such provisions.
“We’re just asking these families to do this,” Caldwell said. “Let’s treat the special needs kids the same way we treat the traditional kids.”
Democrats call for more oversight
Opponents, including Rep. Ellen Bogmiller (D-Oklahoma City), have expressed concerns about accountability for private schools that receive state funding.
“Do we have oversight of students in private schools?” Bogmiller asked.
Caldwell countered that private schools have a stronger incentive to perform because they lose funding if parents drop out. He also noted that the per-student cost of LNH scholarships is lower than a public education.
Cost comparison
The data shows that the LNH program cost $12.2 million in 2023-24 for 1,557 students, an average of $7,866 per child. By comparison, Oklahoma public schools received $13,736 in state funding per student that year.
Republicans defend program integrity
Some Republicans, such as Rep. Danny Sterling (R-Tecumseh), worry that parents could misuse the funds. Caldwell clarified that the scholarships go directly to the schools, not the families.
Supporters, including Rep. Cody Maynard (R-Durant), highlighted success stories. “Every parent I’ve heard from says that this program has helped their kids,” Maynard said.
Final vote and next steps
The bill passed the committee 6-5 along party lines and advanced in the Senate 35-10. Critics like Rep. Chris Banning (R-Bixby) said the opposition emails ignored student outcomes: “Not one of them mentioned what’s best for the kids.”
