To draw industry to our state. Job creation must be a priority. Must have an educated work force. 

 

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

Fully funding MAEP. I will support to fully fund MAEP. 

 

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)

I would work to keep this program strong. Our state must work to improve the quality of teachers. 

 

• Vocational Education

This area has been forgotten. I would favor legislation to make vo-tech a viable path for students not college bound.  

 

• Gifted Education

We should challenge our students who are gifted. Offer effective strong AP classes. 

 

• Special Education

We must meet the needs of ALL children. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

I support funding EEF. 

 

• Teacher Salaries

If improving salaries would bring better qualified teachers I would support it. The data says we have the lowest scores. 

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

We must fund obligations that were made. 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

We must meet the commitments that have been promised, but make sure we can meet the demands in the future. 

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

I think we start by fully funding MAEP OR look at other options of how to fund schools. 

 

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?

Yes 

 

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

Empower teachers, reduce paperwork and allow them to perform their jobs. 

 

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

Look at state testing. Is it the best way to measure our students. 

 

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

Higher standards to be in administration. More business knowledge. 

 

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?