"Oklahoma Teacher Lawsuit Over Bonus Repayment and Travel Expenses"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by USA TODAY
An Oklahoma teacher is suing the state Department of Education and Superintendent Ryan Walters after being asked to repay a $50,000 bonus received in error through the Teacher Signing Bonus program. The department claimed that $185,000 was awarded to unqualified teachers and $105,000 was overpaid. The teacher argues that she should not be responsible for the department's mistake and accuses the department of breach of contract and bad faith. Walters defended the decision to reclaim the bonuses, but legislators from both parties have criticized the move and called on him to focus on other education issues in the state.