What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?

I am a strong supporter of public schools because I believe in their essential role in shaping our community and future generations. I graduated from the public school system, which instilled in me an appreciation for the significance of accessible, high-quality education. Both of my children attend public schools, and my wife is an educator with thirteen years of experience teaching in Mississippi public schools. I have actively participated in parent-teacher organizations, serving as secretary and vice president, and I regularly attend educational and athletic events each year to stay engaged and support student development. Additionally, as a Rotarian, I participate in Rotary Reads, a program that visits elementary schools to read with young students, helping to foster literacy. I also serve on a bond committee for Tupelo Public Schools, working to garner support for additional funding that can enhance facilities, resources, and educational programs.

Do you agree that the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why.

I believe that the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSSF) should be fully funded each year. Ensuring that all students across our state, regardless of their location, receive the highest quality education possible is essential, and this goal should be a continuous priority for us to improve upon.

According to the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC), Mississippi boasts the highest high school senior to college enrollment rate in the country; however, we rank 37th in college retention after the first year. While many variables influence student success beyond the quality of education—such as socio-economic factors and support systems—I believe that adequately funding our schools is a crucial component.

We must commit to fully funding K-12 education every year and actively seek ways to enhance the effectiveness and quality of our classrooms. Additional data shared by the MEC shows that 52% of Mississippi employers somewhat disagree or strongly disagree that our K-12 education system adequately prepares students for the workforce. Given these statistics, it’s clear that investing in our education system is vital to prepare students for future success and meet the needs of our economy.

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 do my best to ensure that state revenue is sufficient to provide all of the services that Mississippi’s citizens need to lead productive lives. In my opinion, education, healthcare, and other vital social services are essential to ensure that even the poorest among us have the necessary tools to succeed. Achieving this is not an easy task; I am one voice, and it requires unity and collaboration from all stakeholders, including the state and private sector.

Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?

I oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private, religious, home, and virtual schools because I believe in prioritizing a strong, equitable, and accountable public education. I worry that these programs drain vital funding from public schools. When funds are diverted, public schools are left with fewer resources for the majority of students, leading to potential cuts in programs, staff, and essential services.

I also have concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency that often comes with voucher systems. Private schools that accept public funds are typically not required to meet the same standards for curriculum, teacher certification, and student performance as public schools. This lack of oversight makes it difficult to ensure that taxpayer money is being used effectively and that all students, including those with disabilities, are receiving a quality education.

Finally, I believe that vouchers exacerbate educational inequality and segregation. They often fail to cover the full cost of private tuition, resulting in a disproportionate benefit to wealthier families while leaving low-income students with fewer options. I also worry about the constitutional implications of using public funds to support religious instruction, as well as the potential for these programs to erode the sense of community that public schools foster.

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, if public funds are diverted to vouchers to private, home, religious, or virtual schools, they should be held to the same standards.

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? If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why.   

My grandmother taught in the special education field for more than 20 years. Fully funding special education services in our public school system should not only be a legal obligation; it is a moral imperative. Universal access to the highest quality of education possible is an obtainable goal. We do not want school systems diverting funds to cover shortfalls in special education, as this will likely impact extracurricular activities such as music and the arts. It is our responsibility to provide an adequate setting and proper support to achieve the best possible academic and social-emotional outcomes, which equip students with skills for long-term success. I will support and/or help create legislation that aims to fund special education in Mississippi fully.

Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high-quality early childhood education statewide?   

Yes, I support the development of a statewide early childhood education program. The Early Childhood Education Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, is an exemplary model of what could be offered throughout the state of Mississippi.

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?   

This is a difficult question. Several factors can contribute to family stress, but financial strain is often a primary cause. The state has made strides in helping to subsidize childcare costs through the Mississippi Child Care Business Tax Credit, which is worth exploring. Increasing the minimum wage in Mississippi is essential. Also, additional after-school programs may be worth considering. 

Poverty is an issue that we will continually combat. Affordable housing, homelessness prevention, reviewing and enhancing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are options. Several nonprofits in our state help address these needs, but an adequate social safety net is essential.

Learning disabilities and psychological problems are more common than we think. I’ll repeat something I wrote in question six: “It is our responsibility to provide an adequate setting and proper support to achieve the best possible academic and social-emotional outcomes, which equip students with skills for long-term success.” This extends beyond special education and addressing learning disabilities; it means we must provide increased school access to mental health professionals. Early intervention is critical. Our schools are understaffed in terms of counselor and psychologist ratios. It would be interesting to see a mandated student-to-counselor ratio. One way to do this is by incentivizing partnerships between schools and mental health agencies. Children spend nearly as much or more time during the active portions of their day throughout the year in school, so it’s not just about English, math, science, and history; it’s about developing youth into strong young adults.

In the 2022 Legislative Session, a significant teacher pay raise was passed, however the most recent national teacher salary surveys show that Mississippi is once again last in the nation in teacher pay. 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 strongly support continued pay increases for our educators.

Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature?   

I do not have sufficient knowledge about this issue to provide a definitive answer. However, due to the low compensation of elected officials, it seems that if they were not able to draw on their retirement, many, especially retired educators, would be unable to serve.

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 commit to seeking input from teachers, principals, superintendents, school boards, and other relevant stakeholders. I would first seek guidance from the school districts within the district in which I would serve if elected.

In the past, legislators have received tremendous pressure from the leaders of their chamber (House or Senate), state and party leaders, and corporate lobbyists to vote in ways that could contradict the will of their constituents and harm their communities. How would you respond to such pressure?

I will act with honesty, integrity, servant leadership, and transparency to promote goodwill and advocate for our public school system.