Governor Kevin Stitt has opened a door for Oklahoma school districts to pay their hourly support employees during statewide school closures.
In an updated executive order Thursday, Stitt eased constitutionality concerns some schools had about being able to pay support staff. Unlike teachers or administrators, their pay is not protected.
"This remedy was urgently needed," State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister said. "I thank Governor Stitt for taking this action to ensure certainty for the cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, teachers’ assistants and so many others whose work is critical to our schools."
But Stitt said that while those employees could be paid, he wouldn't force districts to make sure they're compensated while they can't work.
"This is a local decision," Stitt said. "And I want to make sure that school boards have the authority to fulfil support staff contracts for the rest of the school year."
There are about 40,000 hourly support employees who perform food service, custodial, maintenance and other tasks statewide.