What is your vision for Mississippi, and how does education fit into that vision?

The full funding of education is paramount. Education is the fabric of our society.  

 

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

The dropout rate, smaller teacher/student ratio, updated classrooms.
 

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? 

Yes. 

 

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.

Yes. 

 

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)

5. I will support the teachers and strengthen the program. 

 

• Vocational Education

7. We are losing our craft workers in the USA. Mississippi should be a leader in vocational education.  

 

• Gifted Education

8. It is very important that the best minds grow. 

 

• Special Education

6. All children deserve the best education possible by people who care. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

2. I will work to make sure teachers have what they need to teach. 

 

• Teacher Salaries

1. In order to draw teachers to our school we have to stay current on salaries. 

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

4. This is huge for my district in the cost of educating children. 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

3. This system is established and proven and I will stand behind it. 

 

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

Recycling could be an answer. Some states require deposits on cans and bottles. Such deposits could be utilized toward education. 

 

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 believe the voters have the right to decide. I personally believe that educators know best because voters usually vote more for personalities. 

 

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

Advertise, pay plus benefits bring results. I would like to see Mississippians teaching Mississippi not for prejudice sake but so families can continue their lives at home. 

 

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

Full funding is necessary to provide the supplies, compensation, and other education for our teachers. 

 

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

Leadership and financial skills training. 

 

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?