UNOPPOSED IN THE GENERAL ELECTION 

I would like to see Mississippi become known as an affordable place to live, retire, or seek good employment. In order to do this, we need jobs, and educating our young people is a key factor in attracting industry. We must have a trained and educated work force. 

 

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

Mississippi Schools face a financial burden, as any other institution does. Additionally, the drop out rate is unacceptable. We must do something to address this problem. I will educate myself on these problems and rely on educational associations to do this. 

 

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 will have to have more information on the State Budget and other statistics before making a decision on this. 

 

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.

As stated above. I will need more information. 

 

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 seems to be a good program. As I learn more about the budgeting process, I will certainly be open to maintaining funding. 

 

• Vocational Education

I feel vocational education is the key to attracting jobs to Mississippi. Young people working with their hands, can find a job. Vocational education is a high priority with me. 

 

• Gifted Education

This is an important area, and unfortunately, I know little about the needs of these programs. As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making hard commitments. 

 

• Special Education

Special education is a must for our challenged young people. Working with them early in life determines the quality of life they will have. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

 

• Teacher Salaries

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

As I understand this, I think that is a necessary obligation. 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

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

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

 

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?

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

 

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

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments.

 

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

As a new legislator, I would need to be more educated on this subject before making comments. 

 

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

I do not see a problem with the quality of our School leaders. I believe they may need more support, leadership, and direction. 

 

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?