What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?
I am an avid supporter of the public school system due to the imperative role it plays in our children’s education, as well as their lives. I was in the public school system through graduation, and I will never forget the close bonds I forged and the great education and encouragement I received from my teachers. A lot of them taught me about life, brought clothes for other students, and served as role models for a substantial number of my friends. They filled a role they didn’t have to, and a lot of them still do.

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 firmly believe that the Mississippi Student Funding Formula should be 100% fully funded each year, allowing all of our students to get the absolute best education possible.

I will work to fully fund the MSFF, and search other avenues that lead to keeping the money in the classrooms.

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?
If elected, I will use my position to spotlight and center on achievements within the education system. I will also address imperfections within the system and work to correct them as well.

I have always been a student of smart fiscal policies, and I promise to use them wisely so they can positively affect students in tremendous ways.

 Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?   
Correct, I will oppose school vouchers that steer taxpayer dollars to religious, private, virtual, or home schools. I also agree that public funds should stay within the public school system.

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 do agree.

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 believe it is important, and it is also the state’s responsibility to fund special education.

Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high-quality early childhood education statewide? 
Yes, I do.

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?   
Above all, we must ensure that all schools in this state have the financial resources to supply the students with every educational opportunity available, as well as increasing the support for all teachers.

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 absolutely support a teacher pay raise.

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

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 commit to this. I believe they are an excellent example to discuss these matters with, as they are in the classrooms every day.

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 would respond with Biblical Principles. I will not contradict the will of my constituents. I will be a servant, and not a politician. I am 100% in favor of the teachers and the education system.