To improve the quality of life and socio-economic status of our citizens. To accomplish this, a strong, stable, and vibrant education system - pre-K - graduate level is imperative. 

 

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

Funding, quality administration in some at-risk districts, teacher retention. 

 

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? 

See next 

 

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, as budget allows and if this can be done without reductions to other education budgets or critical budgets such as Medicaid, Mental Health, Public Safety, etc. 

 

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)

Continue 

 

• Vocational Education

Tailor to more specific areas of instruction for jobs available in the private sector. 

 

• Gifted Education

Yes, but we need to do all we can to fund basic ed. programs first. 

 

• Special Education

Absolutely critical that Federal Funds for SPED programs are spent on services to these children and their families. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

Restore and fund 

 

• Teacher Salaries

Increase as soon as practicable 

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

Fully fund 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

Secure the continuation of this plan without major overhaul to the system. We have a good system, but we need to stabilize.

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?

Move to appointed with elected school boards 

 

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

Increase salaries as budget permits

 

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

Continuing education should be overhauled 

 

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

Require more continuing ed. for administrative level 

 

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?