My vision is for the government to "get out of the way" and allow the private sector to flourish. We are currently in an economic slowdown which can only be corrected by innovative developments within the private sector. We must reduce or eliminate very restrictive regulation and taxation at the local, state, and federal level in order to unleash the Great American spirit! Education is vital in this effort but too many times our education bureaucracy has lost its focus. There sure be a dramatic return to basic curriculums beginning at the k-12 level. We must DEMAND that our schools teach our children to READ, WRITE, and do ARITHMETIC. There has been a move away from teaching the basics such as mathematical formulas, basic writing skills, and the use of phonics in reading. In order for our education programs to meet the demand for a more qualified student we MUST return to these basic ideas. 

 

What do you see as the greatest challenge facing Mississippi schools and how will you address it?

Our largest challenge is maintaining highly qualified, happy teachers. Because of budgetary constraints teachers nor other state employees have received any increases in compensation for several years. This must be addressed as soon as the economy recovers. Also,we MUST return control of the classroom to the instructor. Many classroom instructors feel as if all decisions are being stripped away fron the instructor and are being dictated from a central location. The teacher MUST retain flexibility and control in the classroom. Also administration needs to be aware that everyone is disposable within the education network but the teacher and the student. 

 

For Fiscal Year 2012, the MAEP appropriation is underfunded by $237,386,693. Assuming no more than 2% inflation, the formula would likely require about $2,365,180,600 for Fiscal Year 2014 (to be decided in the 2013 Legislative Session), about $392-million more than was appropriated for Fiscal Year 2012. Would you support getting to this full funding level in two legislative sessions? 

I would support returning to fully funding our education system when we have achieved full economic recovery and are back in a steady pattern of economic growth. I will, however, not support full funding if it further reduces our ability to fund PUBLIC SAFETY within our state. Our primary need at the state government level is to maintain and insure public safety for our citizens by maintaining and adequately equiping our law enforcement and first responders in the event of emergency. 

 

Will you commit to closing by a significant margin the current gap between current funding and full funding of the MAEP for Fiscal Year 2013 (to be decided in the 2012 Legislative Session)? The MAEP is currently underfunded by $237,386,693.

I will committ to funding MAEP at a level which is consistent with our budgetary process. If our revenues permit full funding then I would support that budgetary need.I will also insist on further accountablity from our education system.  

 

The following issues are very important to the 60,000 members of The Parents’ Campaign. Frequently throughout the year, we get calls and emails regarding these topics, and many of the questions submitted for this questionnaire were about funding for these specific areas.Where do these fit into your funding priorities, and how would you, as a legislator, address them?

 

• National Board Certification Program Stipend/National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT)

This is a very important program and MUST be continued and expanded. 

 

• Vocational Education

This is of extreme importance because of the need to provide another line of educational training for our capable students.  

 

• Gifted Education

This is another very important area. This program expands the possibilities of our best and brightest. 

 

• Special Education

Special education is of vital importance and should be funded at an adequate level. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

The committment which was made to the teachers several years ago should be restored. The department of education has continued to "pick" at these funds until they are too low.  

 

• Teacher Salaries

Teachers salaries should be increased as soon as the  

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

MUST BE FUNDED 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

No response

How can Mississippi get creative to ensure sufficient revenue to fully fund education and other vital state services?

No response 

 

In Mississippi, some local school superintendents are elected rather than being appointed by their boards. Would you support or oppose a phase-out of elected superintendents, moving to appointment as incumbent elected superintendents retire or leave their positions?

I fully support ALL superintendents being ELECTED! 

 

What would you do to address Mississippi’s teacher shortage?

No response 

 

What steps should be taken to improve the quality of teaching in Mississippi?

No response 

 

What steps should be taken to improve the overall quality of Mississippi school leaders?

No response 

 

Would you support state funding for a statewide non-compulsory early childhood education program? If yes, what is your plan for getting state funding for early education? If no, why are you opposed to state funding for early education?