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

I want education to be top and teachers to have a pay increase.

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

I would like our schools to be top ranked, every school district in the state a "Star" district.

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 very much!

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 I would vote for increase.

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)

Yes

• Vocational Education

Yes very much

• Gifted Education 

• Special Education

Yes very much

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

Yes

• Teacher Salaries

I would support in full

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

Yes

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

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

Yes

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 would the school board if they want to elect.

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

I would work to make people interested in education. Increase pay for teachers.

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

Let teachers get more education, a better degree like a Master's degree.

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

No response 

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?

William E. Shirley Jr. - WINNER