What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family? 
My wife and I started our support for public education serving as president of our children’s elementary school.  I served five years on the Hattiesburg Public School Board (three years as president). While serving we were able to get the school district dismissed from a 30-year-old desegregation lawsuit with the federal government. We passed the first HPSD bond issue in several years to air condition ALL public schools. We lobbied successfully the City of Hattiesburg to increase the local supplement. We lobbied successfully to include non-certified personnel in PERS.

I serve on boards geared to advocate for children and families such as D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg addressing tobacco, underage drinking and other drug abuse, Pine Belt Boy Scout Board of Directors (almost 30 years), SE Mississippi Red Cross Board and Evening Optimist Board.

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. The MSFF is the funding mechanism for our state’s public schools. 
I agree. I was elated when the school funding formula changed from attendance to enrollment. As a candidate for governor in 2011, one of my planks was to fully fund education every year. I still believe that fully funding public education is the right course of action for the future of our children and the state. I will remind the Legislature of the promise made to Mississippians to use gaming revenue to help fully fund education and offer legislation to increase the 20% of gaming revenue to 80% of gaming revenue. Seven counties already receive additional revenue because of gaming. I will also offer legislation related to the decrease in state income tax. 

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 offer legislation to increase minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15.00 per hour. Raising minimum wage would benefit half a million workers. I will draft legislation to offer Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). There are 31 states offering EITC.  I will offer legislation to repeal the elimination of state income tax.

Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?
I would oppose sending public funds to private schools. Public schools serve all students; public schools are accountable to the public as funds are already limited for public schools. Supporting vouchers would further weaken public schools.

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.

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.
I support fully funding students with disabilities. Mississippi gets almost 15% of the promised 40% in funding from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). I would make as a priority to encourage the Federal Government to deliver as promised on the 40% funding. I would offer legislation for Mississippi to make up the difference.

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

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?
While money doesn’t solve all family problems. An increase in minimum wage, implementing EITC, increasing teacher pay, fully funding IDEA and adding social workers to every school district would have a positive impact.

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

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?
I am committed to NOT doing business as usual. My plans are to inform and educate the public. I will inform and educate residents of District 45, and anyone interested in the bills introduced, give them my thoughts and ask for their input. I will seek input from school board trustees, public school teachers, the former Executive Director of MAE and other education unions, school superintendents and retired teachers.

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?
After over 30 years in public service I am accustomed to pressure from others who want me to do what they feel is the best course of action. For over 30 years I have governed in the fashion of what is best for the community. I have always included citizens who only want the best for our community in my decision making.