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Education is the number one priority. Public education drives economic development as well as citizens' abilities to accumulate wealth and maintain optimal health. 

 

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

Funding is always a big issue. As unpopular as it is, I think we should look at how our tax laws are structured. For me, bottom line is that the state's budget should reflect that public education is our number one priority. Also, in the Delta it is our ability to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers. Teach for America has done a good job of providing bright, energetic, creative teachers for our region. In fact this year's MS Teacher of the Year is from Greenwood and is a TFA member. In addition, Dr. Mullins at Ole MS runs the MS Teachers' Corp and they have greatly added to our teacher resources. Another challenge is school leadership. I'll be interested to see how the Principals' Corp from University of MS fares in the schools. Also, our school buildings are in need of repair and we must stop robbing that fund in our effort to provide as much funding as possible for MAEP. While this may be unavoidable given our present circumstances, I am hopeful by 2014 our economy will be much stronger.
 

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 support funding public education and MAEP as the number one state budget priority. I would certainly support full funding of MAEP in two legislative sessions depending upon the economy.  

 

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 will support fully funding MAEP if at all possible. As our revenue was up $65 million for the year just ended, I am hopeful that our budget will not be as difficult as predicted. However, we will lose a significant amount of ARRA funding for the 2013 budget. 

 

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)

Providing the extra $6,000 for NBCT is very important. Even in last year's lean budget, the state managed to maintain the stipend. It is important in helping the state retain these teachers and also prompting other teachers to undergo the process. 

 

• Vocational Education

Vocational education is very important for our children. Many students, especially in the Delta, may not have the grades to go to college and are more kinesthetic learners. Vocational ed gives these students a chance to use their hands and their heads. I like a quote that says - "Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." 

 

• Gifted Education

This is an important issue as we want to fully educate our most creative and brightest students.  

 

• Special Education

There is a need for Special Education for part of our student population. We must strive to fully education each and every child no matter the life's circumstances. 

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

Teachers should not be forced to spend their personal money to provide classroom supplies.  

 

• Teacher Salaries

As much as possible the state must match the southern states' teachers' salaries. If we fail to do this, we risk losing some of our best teachers. 

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

It is important to these counties that we maintain these payments. 

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

PERS is not only important to the schools, but to all state personnel. We must maintain PERS' financial stability. 

 

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

Not a very popular idea, but I think we need to look at our tax laws. Can they be tweaked to more fairly distribute our tax burden and possibly increase revenue? That needs to be looked at.  

 

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 am in support of appointed superintendents and elected school boards. I would support a phase-out of elected superintendents. 

 

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

As I mentioned above, Teach for America and MS Teachers' Corp programs are very helpful in providing creative, energetic, teachers. Of course, increasing salaries would help. 

 

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

Common planning time among same grade teachers in the school. More mature and experienced teachers mentoring young, inexperienced teachers. 

 

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

MS Principals' Corp is a step in the right direction. More programs of this nature might help.