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

The foundation of a successful Mississippi begins with the opportunity for our children to gain a top notch education. I think that the quality of life that we will enjoy in the future hinges on a quality education system in our state.

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

Funding is currently one of the major issues as it relates to challenges facing our schools. I believe that we need to be proactive in our efforts to find ways to streamline the management of our school system. We need to become more efficient and eliminate the wasteful practices that keep dollars out of the classrooms. Another challenge is the ability to detect those at risk for dropping out at an early age and create an intervention to put those at risk students back on track.

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?

Funding education is a priority of mine. Given our current financial environment and not being able to determine when revenues will begin to pick up, it is difficult to commit to any dollar amount. I will, however, pledge to give education as much funding as possible while we work to save monies over the next two sessions that would have otherwise been wasted on inefficiencies.

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 am committed to funding education as much as possible. Our commitment to education should not solely be about gaining additional funding, but also looking at ways to save money that is already committed to education and making sure those funds are used efficiently in the classroom.

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)

I think we should reward teachers that are willing to invest in themselves to earn certifications that provide a measurable litmus test of performance and a demonstration that they have a command of the skills they possess to educate our children.

• Vocational Education

As the owner of a construction company and someone that has provided hundreds of jobs over the past 12 years of business, I am excited about the possibilities of this program. I have seen first hand, the contribution to the work force and the economy that these SKILLED craftsmen bring to the table. Not everyone is headed for college. I like the saying ""Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime." By teaching a student a skill they will be equipped to be a productive member of the community and will contribute to the economy. They will have the opportunities in life where hard work and determination will, in the end, dictate the level of success, not the fact that they did not go to college.

• Gifted Education

Our brightest students should have the same opportunities to be challenged and pushed academically.

• Special Education

I would support special education programs. These teachers provide encouragement and instruction to children that need their attention, helping them develop and reach their fullest potential.

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

Teachers give so much of themselves to the extent it comes out of their own pockets. I will do all that is feasible to make sure that we have funds available for EEF.

• Teacher Salaries

Keeping teachers' salaries competitive equates to maintaining quality teachers in our schools. This has a direct impact on our children's education.

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

No response

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

I believe we should honor our obligations that we have made to our retirees. Moving forward we may need to evaluate the benefits and contribution levels that are needed in order to maintain a solvent fund. We have to be realistic in our expectations and remember that the most important goal for the legislature and members of PERS is that at the end of the day there is a viable fund there to pay the benefits that all of the members are due

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

We need to be willing to look at all options when it comes to economic development and the ability that our state has to attract new businesses that create long term jobs. We must not forget about the existing businesses in our state, and we need to make sure that they have an environment that is conducive for their ability to flourish. This is the catalyst for increasing revenues for Mississippi.

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?

This can be a potential hot button issue. I think there needs to be an element of a voter selected position that is a part of the school board. When people demand change their voice is heard on election day. Whether it is the board or the Superintendent's position there needs to be a system of checks and balances so that some part or aspect of the body is accountable to the voters.

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

I believe that compensation and providing incentives for teachers to locate in areas where the shortages are more prevalent will help to ease the burden of teacher shortages.

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

I believe that teachers need the ability to instill discipline in the classroom. Teachers need the support of the administration and the children's parents. Parents must get involved and be active in their children's education.

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

I believe that there should be incentives for advanced degrees. We need to make sure that the pay structure is comparable with the level of education and experience of the leaders. Also, we should encourage them to participate in leadership conferences and staff development to see what practices are effective in the classroom.

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?

Evidence shows the importance of an early childhood education. Given the economic environment, it will be difficult to fund this program. I would consider such a program, if and when funding becomes available.