The Oklahoma House of Representatives approved legislation that would provide public school districts with the opportunity to be heard by the State Board of Education (SBE) before any changes are made to their accreditation status.

House Bill 1466, authored by Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, would allow for due process procedures for public school districts to be heard by the SBE prior to the issuance of an accreditation deficiency or accreditation status downgrade. The bill adds requirements for accreditation standards to address deficiencies, warnings, probation, or nonaccredited status for non-compliance.

"This is a win for transparency in education," West said. "House Bill 1466 will bring more accountability to the process and help schools navigate the accreditation system with greater clarity and fairness. Every school district deserves a fair chance to be heard before major changes are made to their accreditation status, and this measure ensures that their voices are not only heard but considered in the decision-making process."

Currently, Oklahoma school districts are not entitled to a hearing or notice before the SBE prior to their accreditation status is downgraded. HB1466 would give school districts the chance to appear before the SBE if the State Department of Education (SDE) recommends downgrading a school's accreditation from "Accredited with Warning" to "Accredited with Probation" or from "Accredited with Probation" to "Non-Accredited."

Under HB1466, school districts would have ten days to request a hearing after receiving notice of a recommendation to downgrade their accreditation status. If the district does not request a hearing within this timeframe, they waive their right to one. Additionally, districts that fail to address accreditation issues within 90 days of receiving notice risk having their accreditation status withdrawn.

HB1466 passed 89-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration, where it is carried by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond.