What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
I have both professional and personal experience with K–12 public schools. For three years, I served as a Child Nutrition Manager, making sure students received healthy, dependable meals each day. That role gave me firsthand insight into the operations, challenges, and importance of support staff in our schools—and how critical every team member is to a child’s success. On a personal level, I’m an active parent of a 4th grader in public school. I stay involved, stay informed, and stay present—because I believe when families engage, students thrive. So when I speak about improving our public schools, I’m not speaking as a bystander. I’m speaking as someone who’s lived it, worked in it, and continues to walk through it every day with my child.

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.
Yes, I believe the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF) should be fully funded every year. Fully funding our public schools isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. Our students deserve safe classrooms, qualified teachers, updated materials, and the full range of support services that set them up for success. The MSFF is the foundation for making that happen. As a legislator, I will:

• Advocate loudly and consistently for full MSFF funding during budget negotiations.
• Collaborate with education leaders, parents, and local districts to ensure their needs are being heard at the Capitol.
• Push for transparency and accountability in how education dollars are allocated—so that every dollar reaches the classroom.

I’ve seen the impact of underfunded schools from both inside the system and as a parent. I will not sit silently while our children are shortchanged. Investing in public education is investing in Mississippi’s future—and I’m ready to fight for it.

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 believe Mississippi must generate and manage state revenue responsibly to meet the needs of its people. As your representative, I will:

• Protect essential services by opposing reckless tax cuts that drain school, healthcare, and infrastructure funding.
• Support a fair, balanced tax system that doesn’t overburden working families.
• Invest in economic growth and workforce development to expand our tax base.
• Push for efficient government spending and responsible use of budget surpluses.

Mississippians deserve strong schools, safe roads, and quality healthcare—and I’ll work to make sure the revenue is there to deliver them.

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 oppose vouchers that divert taxpayer dollars to private, religious, home, or virtual schools. Public money should stay in public schools, where it serves all students—not just a select few. Vouchers weaken the system by taking critical resources away from the schools that need them most. I believe in strengthening our public education system so that every child—no matter their zip code—has access to a quality education. As a parent and former child nutrition manager in public schools, I’ve seen firsthand how funding impacts the classroom. We can’t afford to drain public schools—we need to invest in them.

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?   
Most definitely. If a school receives taxpayer dollars, it should be held to the same standards as public schools—no exceptions. That means transparency, certified educators, academic performance tracking, and accountability for how funds are spent. Public money deserves public oversight—regardless of the school’s label. If we’re serious about student success, we need to make sure every school funded by the public is delivering real results for our kids.

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.
Yes, I fully believe special education services in public schools should be fully funded every single year. Students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for success as any other child—and that starts with making sure they have the resources, support, and trained professionals they need. As a parent and former school staff member, I’ve seen the difference that proper funding can make—and the harm when it’s lacking. As your representative, I will:

• Advocate for full funding of special education in every budget cycle.
• Work with educators and families to understand needs on the ground.
• Push for transparency so we know where funds are going—and that they’re reaching students, not just paperwork.

This isn’t optional—it’s a matter of equity, dignity, and doing what’s right for all Mississippi children.

Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high-quality early childhood education statewide? 
Early learning sets the foundation for a child’s future success—in school and in life. Investing in quality preschool programs helps close achievement gaps, supports working families, and builds stronger communities. As your representative, I will support policies and funding that expand access to early childhood education for every Mississippi child—no matter where they live.

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 agree that family stress, poverty, and learning or psychological challenges are major barriers to student success. To help Mississippi children overcome these obstacles, legislators should:

• Invest in wraparound services—like counseling, mental health support, and family resource centers—in schools to address students’ emotional and psychological needs.
• Expand access to quality healthcare and nutrition programs to reduce the impact of poverty on learning.
• Support early intervention and special education programs to identify and assist children with learning challenges as soon as possible.
• Strengthen workforce development and job opportunities for families so parents can provide a stable environment.
• Promote community partnerships that connect schools with social services and nonprofits to support families holistically.

By tackling these root causes, we create healthier, more stable environments where students can truly thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.

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 wholeheartedly support continued pay increases for Mississippi’s teachers. When I served as a city councilman, I fought to get our city’s minimum wage raised to $15 an hour because I believe everyone who works hard deserves to be paid fairly. Teachers work tirelessly every day to shape our children’s futures, and they deserve salaries that reflect that dedication. Even after the 2022 raise, Mississippi still ranks last in teacher pay—and that simply isn’t right. As a parent and community member, I know how important it is to attract and keep great teachers in our schools. I’ll keep fighting to make sure their pay keeps up with inflation and our neighboring states. Our kids deserve nothing less.

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 believe retired educators and other retired state employees should be able to draw their retirement benefits while serving in the Legislature. They’ve worked hard for many years, earned their retirement, and now they’re continuing to serve our state in a new role. I respect their dedication and believe they shouldn’t be penalized for continuing to give back. Having experienced public service myself, I know how valuable their knowledge and commitment are to making good decisions for Mississippi’s future.

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, absolutely. That’s exactly why I’m running—for the people. Legislators face a huge challenge keeping up with all the bills, especially on education. I’m committed to hearing directly from the experts—teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, and school district boards in District 41—before supporting or introducing any education policies. I believe the best decisions come from listening to those on the ground who know what our schools really need. I’ll surround myself with local educators, parents, and school leaders who are passionate about improving our public schools and make sure their voices guide my work.

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’m running to represent the people of District 41—not party leaders, lobbyists, or political pressure. I was elected by the voters, and they are the ones I’ll answer to. I will always listen to and take advice from the people who trusted me with their vote—not those trying to push an outside agenda. My responsibility is to stand up for our community, even when it’s not politically convenient. That’s the kind of leadership District 41 deserves—and that’s what I’ll bring to the Capitol.