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

Mississippians who are more self responsible, independent and interested in the future. Education in all facets of life, not just a standardized test will nurture this mindset. 

 

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

Apathy among parents and students is without question our greatest challenge. In a society that exists with instant results for efforts, we teach that hard work and study will reap rewards 5, 10, or 15 years later. An option is to pay students and parents directly for reaching goals, this will serve as a strong incentive. 

 

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? 

Not without accountability to where the money goes, with 152 districts all having a separate staff, transportation and administration there are options to save the taxpayers money and stop ever increasing budgets. Misdirected money will not reach the core problem with education, new ideas will.  

 

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.

No, you say underfunded by $237 million dollars yet in districts across Mississippi there is no shortage of ways to save money through contractual agreements and consolidation of services, we must do better with the people's money.  

 

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)

Board Certification is a benchmark that should be rewarded, however putting a professional teacher in an environment with rigid restrictions regarding approaches to teaching often results in discouraged teachers.  

 

• Vocational Education

Each student has skills that should be fostered, I have plumbers and air conditioning technicians working for me that earn over $25.00 per hour, we need to identify and support vocational programs that match students interest.  

 

• Gifted Education

In the same way vocational programs match a student's skill set, we must identify students who hold levels of God given talent, with proper training these will be the professionals who will shape our future.  

 

• Special Education

No student should be pushed aside for lack of funding, each child regardless of ability deserves to be educated to the degree they are capable.  

 

• Education Enhancement/Teacher Supply Fund (EEF)

Fully support EEF. My wife , Marie, of 18 years taught in public schools until we had children, I know the amount of money teachers spend in providing materials for classrooms and students.  

 

• Teacher Salaries

Money is not the sole answer to keeping teachers, any professional wants to be treated in a professional manner, pay is a piece of the puzzle that includes respect and support from administration, parent cooperation and the ability to run the classroom in a manner to which they feel is needed.  

 

• Chickasaw Cession Payments

This is the law and I see no reason to revise this.  

 

• The Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)

I am in full support of PERS, but feel there should be equal benefits for all state employees including the legislature. No special treatment.  

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

We can save money through contractual services agreements, and collective purchasing. These savings can then be invested in programs such as education.  

 

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?

No. 

 

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

See above please 

 

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

Involvement through incentives, treat the profession of teaching with the respect it deserves. 

 

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

Public interest would go far in keeping quality leaders in a position to lead with confidence.  

 

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?

No , If it is non compulsory then what are we saying, only certain children are worth teaching at this age, if we want to teach three year olds and make a difference then do it, many three year olds are in a day care setting, what will be the impact on private business and facilities which provide this service?   

 

 

Johnny Stringer (incumbent) - WINNER

Voting Record  

More pay. 

Better training Increase pay.