Improving Oklahoma Education | Your Vote Counts

August 17, 2026 - 00:00

Oklahoma has long struggled with low education rankings compared to the rest of the country. The question is not whether change is needed, but how to actually make it happen. With the August runoff election approaching, voters have a chance to weigh in on who will lead that effort. Democrat Jason Dunnington and Republican Senator Paul Rosino recently sat down with Scott Mitchell on Your Vote Counts to talk about the path forward.

The conversation focused on several key areas. Funding is always part of the discussion, but both candidates acknowledged that money alone will not fix the problem. Teacher pay, classroom resources, and early childhood education were all mentioned as critical pieces. There was also talk about how to measure success. Standardized test scores only tell part of the story. Attendance, graduation rates, and career readiness matter just as much.

Another major topic was voter turnout for the runoff. August elections often see low participation, and that is a concern. When fewer people vote, the results may not reflect what most Oklahomans actually want. Both Dunnington and Rosino encouraged residents to get informed and cast a ballot. They agreed that education policy will be shaped by who shows up.

There is no single fix for Oklahoma's education system. It will take time, cooperation, and a willingness to try new approaches. The runoff election is one step in that process. Voters have a real chance to influence the direction of the state's schools. The question is whether enough people will take part.