Oklahoma asks teachers to return up to $50,000 in bonuses the state says were paid in error

By SEAN MURPHY
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Some Oklahoma educators are being forced to repay up to $50,000 in teacher recruitment bonuses that were improperly paid out by the state Department of Education. Kristina Stadelman said she’s crushed to learn she’s being forced to repay $50,000, much of which she already spent on home improvements and a down payment for a new car. Some lawmakers in both parties are criticizing state Superintendent Ryan Walters’ agency for approving the bonuses in error. State Rep. Mark McBride says lawmakers are working to increase scrutiny of the bonus process and teachers shouldn’t be forced to pay for mistakes the agency made.