There’s been a lot of talk lately about the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s (OSDE) budget and how much it will cost to update the state’s social studies standards for the 2026 school year. Some news reports have claimed it will cost taxpayers $33 million for new textbooks, but I want to clear up the facts.

To obtain accurate information, my office consulted with the State Department of Education and financial staff at the Oklahoma House of Representatives. We also reviewed public financial records from fiscal years 2019 through 2026 concerning the department’s instructional materials budget.

Each year, the state allocates funding to OSDE for the following academic year. A portion of that funding is designated for textbooks and other instructional materials, known as the “instructional materials line item.” By law, Oklahoma must review and update its academic standards on a six-year cycle—this includes adopting new textbooks when necessary. This requirement is outlined in state statute (70 O.S. § 11-103.6a).

The last time Oklahoma updated its social studies standards was in 2019. That year, the state budgeted $33 million for instructional materials, part of a total education budget of approximately $2.91 billion.

In comparison:

In 2024, the textbook budget was about $45 million, out of a $3.97 billion total.

In 2025, the textbook budget remained $45 million, out of a slightly smaller $3.86 billion budget.

For 2026, the total education budget is projected to be $3.95 billion, a modest increase over 2025 and still slightly less than in 2024.

As of now, the specific amount set aside for instructional materials in 2026 has not been finalized. However, the funding request is consistent with previous years and does not involve any new taxes.

It’s also worth noting that school districts are not required to wait for new standards to be adopted in order to purchase textbooks. If districts have the resources, they are free to update materials on their own timeline.

Simply put, the claim that taxpayers are facing a sudden, massive expense due to the social studies update is misleading. The process is routine, legally mandated and part of an established budget cycle.

As Proverbs 18:17 reminds us: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”

Let’s be diligent in seeking out the full picture. The 2026 update to Oklahoma’s social studies standards is not a new or extraordinary cost, it’s business as usual, with no extra burden on taxpayers.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol. Your voice matters, and I welcome any questions, ideas, or concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out anytime by emailing [email protected] or calling my office at (405) 557-7362. I’m here to help and am always glad to hear from you.