Candidate Q&A: House District 20
Election 2023
Our public education questionnaire is offered to candidates in statewide and legislative elections. Search for candidates’ questionnaire responses below. Election dates: Primary – August 8, 2023, General – November 7, 2023
General Election Candidate:
Rodney Hall
Rodney Hall
NO RESPONSE
Charlie Hoots (defeated in primary)
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
I attended Public Schools myself and my children have attended public schools in DeSoto County.
2. Do you agree that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why.
I agree we need to fully fund the schools, we don’t need to short-change our students when it comes to education. I will support legislation for full funding.
3. What will you do to ensure state revenue that is sufficient to provide all of the services Mississippi’s citizens need to lead productive lives?
I will support revenues needed to make Mississippi the best state to live and raise a family.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?
Yes I will, I am not in favor of using public money to finance private schools.
5. Do you agree that all K-12 schools that receive taxpayer dollars, including private voucher schools, should be accountable to taxpayers for the quality of education they provide, using the same accountability measures as public schools?
Yes.
6. Public schools serve the vast majority of Mississippi students with disabilities. Do you agree that special education services in public schools should be fully funded every year? (Special education has been underfunded by the state every year since 2008.) If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why.
Yes, Every child deserves the best education the state can provide. No child should be left behind.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide?
Absolutely.
8. The nation’s top teachers say that the greatest barriers to school success for K-12 students are family stress, poverty, and learning and psychological problems. What steps do you believe legislators should take to alleviate these obstacles for Mississippi children?
I believe that schools need to have more counseling, support and guidance. Maybe partnering with outside agencies to achieve these goals.
9. In the 2022 Legislative Session, a significant teacher pay raise was passed. Do you support continued pay increases to ensure that Mississippi’s teacher salaries keep pace with inflation and salaries in our neighboring states?
Yes, I do. We also need to make sure the teaching assistants and support staff are competitively compensated in order to attract and keep quality staff. I will explore more creative ways to find funding if necessary.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature?
Yes, I think the state is missing out on a wealth of knowledge.
11. Legislators have little or no staff to help them understand the many bills they must consider. Before introducing or supporting a bill that could affect public education, will you commit to seeking input from teachers, principals, superintendents, and parents of public school students in your district? Who will be advising you on education policies?
Yes, I will have contact with the local Superintendent and teachers to understand their needs.
I will continue and always vote the way that best serves my constituents.
