OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Education has purchased more than 500 Bibles to place in Advanced Placement government classrooms, the agency announced Thursday.

Agency spokesman Dan Isett said the cost was $25,000.

The purchase is separate from a larger solicitation for bids to buy more Bibles, as well as copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution, the announcement said.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said the Bibles are intended as an academic and literary resource. He said he aims to put a Bible in every classroom in the state.

“I will take every step possible to ensure Oklahoma students have the resources they need to fully understand American history,” Walters said in a statement. “By acting now, Oklahoma is leading the nation on a path toward a greater focus on academic excellence by providing our students with critical historical, cultural and literary context.”

The Education Department previously submitted a request for proposals with the goal of purchasing 55,000 Bibles, along with America’s founding documents. The agency canceled the call but plans to issue a new request for proposals. Oklahoma Watch reports this.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information provided by the Department of Education after publication about the cost of the $25,000 Bibles.