What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
My mother’s career as a teacher started in Macon, MS and moved to Moss Point where she collectively educated Mississippi children for 38 years before retiring. I am a proud product of Moss Point Public Schools. Beyond my parents, my most fondest memories – during my matriculation at MPSD – are teachers and coaches, who helped nurture and cultivate my leadership skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills in addition to educating me. They helped push me to be all I can be by recommending me for awards, youth leadership organizations and councils, and opportunities to attend summer enhancement camps. As I got older, I learned how my Mom helped her students – beyond the classroom by giving them food to take home, bought them supplies, paid for their school lunches, and even employed a couple of her former students to babysit my brothers and I.

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 agree that the Mississippi Student Funding Formula (MSFF) should be fully funded every year. However, our children deserve more than the bare minimum – it’s about ensuring that every student, regardless of zip code, has access to a free education that is filled with quality teachers, modern classrooms, technology, and the resources needed to thrive. 

The MSFF is the mechanism that determines how our public schools receive state dollars, and it directly impacts everything from class sizes to extracurricular opportunities. Fully funding the formula is an essential first step, but we should also push for amendments that ensure the formula goes beyond adequacy and truly reflects the real costs of educating today’s students. In today’s time, $8,000 per student is simply not enough. We can do better, and I will continue to advocate for adequate, equitable funding for our public schools.

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 push for the repeal of HB 1, which eliminates the state income tax. I strongly believe that phasing out $2.2 billion from Mississippi’s $7 billion budget will have devastating impacts on critical programs, especially public schools, healthcare services, infrastructure, and workforce development. These are not “extras” but the foundations that allow our citizens to lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

Until repeal is possible, I will advocate for a balanced approach to revenue and spending that protects essential services. This means ensuring corporations and out-of-state interests pay their fair share, closing unnecessary loopholes, and prioritizing investments that strengthen families and communities rather than short-term giveaways. 

I also support exploring diversified revenue streams, such as expanding responsible economic development projects, attracting new industries, and leveraging federal funds more effectively, so that Mississippi does not have to choose between tax cuts for the few and opportunities for the many. 

Ultimately, my commitment is to ensure that our state budget reflects our values: strong public schools, access to healthcare, safe communities, and pathways to prosperity for every Mississippian.

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 send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools. My reason is simple: public dollars for public scholars. When we divert funds away from our public education system, we weaken the very foundation that serves the vast majority of Mississippi’s children. 

Vouchers often benefit only a small percentage of families, typically those who already have the means to attend private schools, while leaving behind rural communities and underfunded districts where students have no real “choice.” Instead of creating an unequal, two-tiered system, we should be fully investing in our neighborhood schools so that every child, regardless of zip code, has access to quality teachers, modern classrooms, and the resources needed to succeed. 

On top of that, families must cover transportation, uniforms, extracurricular fees, and other expenses – costs that make “choice” inaccessible for low- and middle-income families. With Mississippi’s already low per-student funding, how can a parent realistically afford those additional expenses on top of tuition gaps? 

Moreover, accountability matters. Public schools are held to clear standards, transparency requirements, and oversight. Private and virtual schools that receive vouchers often operate with little accountability to taxpayers, meaning public money can go out the door without guaranteeing better outcomes. 

Mississippi’s children deserve more than bare minimum funding and false choices. They deserve strong, well-resourced public schools in every community. That’s where our taxpayer dollars should stay.

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, I absolutely agree that any K–12 school receiving taxpayer dollars, especially private voucher schools, should be held to the same accountability standards as public schools. If public money is being used, then the public has every right to expect transparency, oversight, and measurable outcomes. 

That said, I do not believe our tax dollars should be going to private schools in the first place. Public dollars belong in public schools, which serve the vast majority of Mississippi’s children. When we divert funds to private or voucher schools, not only do we weaken our public school system, but we also send money to institutions that often are not required to meet the same standards or accept all students. 

Public schools are held to clear expectations around student achievement, teacher qualifications, financial reporting, and equity. Private schools, by contrast, can pick and choose their students, set their own rules, and operate with little public oversight, all while receiving taxpayer money. That’s simply not right. 

If we are serious about improving education in Mississippi, we must strengthen and fully fund our public schools, not siphon off resources to create a system of haves and have-nots. Every child deserves a quality education, and every taxpayer dollar should stay invested in our public education system to make that possible.

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.
Absolutely, yes. Public schools serve the vast majority of Mississippi students with disabilities, and it is unacceptable that many districts are not fully equipped to provide the services and supports those students need to thrive. I have seen and heard directly about students with disabilities who struggle, not because of a lack of potential, but because schools simply do not have the resources, staff, or training to meet their needs. That must change. 

To accomplish full funding for special education, I will fight to ensure that the Mississippi Student Funding Formula is fully funded every year and amended to better reflect the true cost of serving students with disabilities. Special education requires smaller class sizes, more specialized staff, therapists, accessible transportation, and adaptive technology. When those needs are not funded, students fall behind through no fault of their own. 

I will also advocate for increased federal support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which has never been fully funded since its passage. Mississippi cannot continue to absorb that shortfall on its own. At the state level, we must set aside dedicated resources for special education and protect them from being diverted elsewhere in the budget.

Investing in special education is not optional; it is a moral obligation and a legal responsibility. Fully funding these services ensures that students with disabilities receive the individualized education they deserve, families have confidence in their schools, and teachers have the tools to provide quality instruction. Every child, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential in Mississippi’s public classrooms.

Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high-quality early childhood education statewide?   
Yes. One of my top legislative priorities is to establish compulsory Pre-K in Mississippi. The sooner we can get children into school, the better their long-term outcomes will be. High-quality early childhood education sets the foundation for success by building literacy, math readiness, social-emotional skills, and a love for learning at an early age.

Right now, too many Mississippi families, especially in rural and low-income areas, do not have access to affordable, high quality Pre-K. That lack of access widens achievement gaps before children even reach kindergarten. By making Pre-K universally available and fully funded, we can give every child, regardless of background or zip code, a strong start.

This is not just an education issue either; it’s an economic development strategy. Studies consistently show that every dollar invested in early childhood education saves taxpayers money in the long run by reducing remediation costs, lowering dropout rates, and improving workforce readiness. If we want Mississippi to be competitive and prosperous, we must start by investing in our youngest learners.

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?   
The nation’s top teachers are absolutely right… family stress, poverty, and learning and psychological challenges are some of the greatest barriers to student success. If we want Mississippi’s children to thrive in school, then legislators must address the root causes, not just the symptoms.

First, we must lift families out of poverty. I support raising the minimum wage to $22 an hour so that parents can provide for their families without working multiple jobs that keep them away from their children. Alongside this, we need to bring in corporations that pay a true livable wage, so Mississippians can support themselves with dignity. Economic stability at home translates into stability in the classroom. And we should adopt proven policies like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which has lifted millions of families out of poverty nationwide and helped reduce childhood hardship. Economic stability at home translates directly into stability and success in the classroom.

Second, we must recognize the importance of mental health. Mississippi children face enormous challenges, and too often schools are left without the resources to help. I believe every elementary school should have access to a licensed mental health therapist, so that students struggling with stress, trauma, or psychological issues can get support early on, before those struggles escalate into bigger problems.

Third, we need to trust our teachers. That means giving them more flexibility in how they teach, reducing the burden of over-testing, and allowing them to use their professional expertise to meet the needs of their students. Excessive standardized testing not only drains instructional time, but it also adds unnecessary stress for both students and teachers. By shifting the focus away from constant testing and toward real learning, we can create classrooms where children are supported, engaged, and encouraged to succeed.

In short, Mississippi’s legislators must tackle poverty head-on, ensure mental health services are available in schools, and create policies that empower and support rather than burden teachers. When we strengthen families, support children’s well-being, and give educators the tools they need, we remove the greatest barriers to student success.

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?   
Absolutely, I strongly support continued pay increases to ensure Mississippi’s teacher salaries keep pace with inflation and with salaries in our neighboring states. While the 2022 pay raise was a step in the right direction, it was not enough to change the fact that Mississippi is still last in the nation in average teacher pay as well as average starting teacher salary. 

Right now, the average starting salary for a teacher in Mississippi is several thousand dollars lower than the Southeastern regional average, and the average overall salary for teachers here lags far behind surrounding states like Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama. This puts us at a severe disadvantage when it comes to both attracting and retaining talented educators. Many leave for higher-paying jobs across state lines, and others leave the profession altogether. That turnover disrupts classrooms and hurts students.

If we want to strengthen public education, we must make teaching in Mississippi a competitive, respected profession. That means:

• Annual salary adjustments that at least match inflation so that raises are not erased by rising costs.
• Targeted increases that move Mississippi salaries closer to the Southeastern average and eventually above it, so we can recruit and retain the best teachers.
• Retention incentives, such as bonuses, tax credits, and/or loan forgiveness for teachers in critical shortage areas like special education and rural districts.

Investing in teacher pay is not just about fairness, it’s about student success. Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and when we pay them competitively, we reduce turnover, improve classroom stability, and ensure that Mississippi children have access to quality educators.

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 agree. Retired educators and other retired state employees should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature. These individuals have dedicated their careers to public service, and their retirement benefits are something they have already earned. Serving in the Legislature is not a “second career” in the traditional sense; it is more so a continuation of public service. It should not force someone to give up the retirement security they worked decades to achieve.

In fact, allowing retired educators and other state retirees to serve without penalty would strengthen our Legislature. Retired professionals bring invaluable experience, institutional knowledge, and a deep understanding of the challenges our communities face, particularly in education, healthcare, and state services. We should be encouraging their participation, not creating financial barriers that discourage them from running for office.

Other states already allow retirees to serve while drawing their pensions, and Mississippi should follow suit. This change would expand the pool of qualified, experienced candidates for the Legislature, ensuring that the voices of teachers, school staff, and state employees are heard when critical decisions are being made about budgets, benefits, and public policy.

Ultimately, retirement benefits are earned compensation, not a gift. They should never be used as leverage to keep knowledgeable and committed Mississippians from serving their state in elected office.

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, school administrators, and parents before introducing or supporting any legislation that affects public education. Legislators cannot make effective policy in a vacuum nor by working in silos. The people who are on the frontlines every day are the teachers, principals, superintendents, and parents, and they understand both the challenges and the opportunities in our schools better than anyone. Their voices must shape our policies.

As a legislator, I will establish regular listening sessions and roundtables with public school educators and families in my district. I believe in an open-door policy where stakeholders can raise concerns, share solutions, and be directly involved in the decision-making process.

In addition, I will rely on a broad group of trusted advisors – a coalition – on education policies, including:

• Teachers at all grade levels who bring classroom perspective.
• Principals and superintendents who understand district-wide challenges like staffing, funding, and accountability.
• Parents of public school students, who see firsthand what is working and what needs to improve.
• Special education advocates and mental health professionals, to ensure policies meet the needs of all children.
• Higher education leaders and workforce partners, to ensure our K–12 system aligns with college readiness and career preparation.

My approach to education policy will be guided by one principle: the success of Mississippi’s children. By keeping educators and families at the table, we can create legislation that is not only practical but also rooted in the real needs of our communities. I want to help move the needle.

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 always center people in my decision-making and in any legislation I propose or support. The role of a legislator is to represent the voices of constituents, not to serve party leaders, corporate lobbyists, or special interests.

When pressure comes from outside forces, my responsibility will remain clear: to stand with the families, workers, educators, and communities of my district. That means listening first and foremost to the people who elected me, being transparent about my votes, and explaining how every decision I make is rooted in what benefits the public, not what benefits the powerful.

I believe legislators must have the courage to resist political pressure when it contradicts the needs of their constituents. If we allow outside interests to dictate our votes, we undermine both democracy and trust in government. My guiding principle is simple: people over politics, communities over corporations, and service over self-interest.