House of Representatives District 10: Candidate Q&A
Candidates for this office were offered a questionnaire on education issues by The Parents’ Campaign. See below for responses received to date.
Josh Hawkins
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family? I was a student in the South Panola School District for 12 years. I graduated from South Panola High School in 1998. Our two sons, Tucker and Charlie, currently attend Pope School in the South Panola School District. Both my kids are receiving a quality education and getting the extra help they need. Our school and the district developed an IEP for Tucker when he was in the 2nd grade. Both of our kids have participated in the speech program offered through the school and Charlie participates in the physical therapy program offered.
2. Do you agree that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why. If there were no budget restraints, yes, the approved funding formula should be fully funded every year. Unfortunately with all the state’s needs, the state does have budget issues and legislators sometimes have to prioritize funds. I am open to updating our current funding formula to help better allocate funds to schools based on their individual needs.
3. 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 work to help create a business environment that will allow our current businesses and industries to thrive, as well as recruit new business and start- ups. As a small business owner, I understand how important a pro-business environment is to our success.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not? As they are currently administered and overseen, I would oppose school vouchers. I think the voucher program for special need kids is a really good program, but I do not believe the program has enough oversight. If a school district is failing or does not offer the ability to help a individual, their parents should have the choice to decide the best path for their future.
5. 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.
6. 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? (Special education has been underfunded by the state every year since 2008.) If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why. My answer to this question would depend on the definition of “fully-funded”. I absolutely support our special education programs and know how valuable they are, but I would like to see both sides come to an agreement on the definition of the term “fully-funded”.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide? Yes. The earlier we can start building a good foundation for our kids future, the better.
8. 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 multi-faceted problem, that there is no one solution for. I believe the best way to start is through the education of the teachers to recognize when a child has a specific home/learning problem, and then for them to be able to educate and guide these children on how to cope with their specific issues. This may be done in the classroom alone, or through the guidance of a school nurse and/or counselor if the situation requires those specialties. I would like to see a specific set of protocols in place to address these individual issues.
9. Do you support raising teacher salaries at least to the level of our neighboring states and raising pay for teacher assistants? Again, if there were no budget restraints, yes, I would support raising teacher and teacher assistants salaries to the level of our neighboring states. Unfortunately, a large number of state employees’ salaries are below our neighboring states, not just teachers, and many have not had raises in a long time. I am hopeful that with a strong pro-business environment our revenue numbers will continue to increase and we can develop a plan to raise these pay levels at or above our neighboring states.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature? Yes.
11. 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? In my campaigning, I have met with numerous educators and administrators in District 10, because I value their input on the issues that they face daily. I will continue this once elected to ensure that this specific group has a voice.
12. Legislators receive tremendous pressure from the leaders of their chamber (House or Senate), state and party leaders, and corporate lobbyists, to vote in ways that may contradict the will of their constituents and harm their communities. How will you respond to this pressure? I will be elected to represent the people of District 10, and will strive to put their needs first, while still moving the state forward.
Brady Williamson WINNER
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family? Children Started at Lafayette Public School, Oxford, MS beginning 11 years ago and they are attending Lafayette Public School now. Part of the reason we chose to raise our family here was because of our great Public Schools of Oxford and Lafayette. I continue to hear and experience other great schools such as Pope and South Panola.
2. Do you agree that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why. Our schools are underfunded, our State’s budget needs a total revisit starting from scratch. Money is there, it’s just being wasted at the top and in other areas instead of making it to teachers in the classroom. I truly believe teachers are right behind Fathers and Mothers to our children and the future of our great State.
3. 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? The fundamental roles of government should be the focus of our revenue dollars: Common Infrastructure, Education, Law Enforcement, Stiff penalties to those that cause harm to the public, Military, Protection of our Constitution and our rights
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not? First and foremost, in a setting where our children are learning 7 hours+ a day, + a couple hundred days per year, I want schools to thrive in teaching what is valuable to our children, in a manner that fits the desires of the family. If Public School cannot offer the families directives, they should not be directed by the state. Where they go to school is not up to me. It’s up to the parents. If there is some sort of scare that parents will remove their children in large number from the public school system, 2 questions need to be asked. “Why would they want to leave the public school system?” “How can we as a public school system place ourselves in a better situation financially, and address these matters should it happen?” The money public schools receive was private money so taxpayers should have their say. If we reach a point where we dictate parents send their children to a certain school, that has no competition, and government works earnestly to ensure no other feasible, economical option exist to most families—at that point we will be on the decline. Every situation needs competition, it makes us all better, keeps us in check.. Personally I am grateful for both public and private schools. Grateful that my children had a few years in a Christ centered classroom whether it was Math, Science, History, Athletics etc. Personally I believe Churches should, again, be more involved in teaching our children. But that’s just my opinion. Whatever reason a parent chooses to send their child to whatever school they choose I believe the parents should not essentially be double taxed for doing so 6,000-10,000 in taxes earmarked for education then another 6,000-10,000 or more to send them where they choose for whatever reason–that’s not something low income families can currently even consider. If it’s considered I would work diligently to ensure the public school system is left with more money and resources per student than before. Politically, you all know I’d be better not touching this issue or telling you what the large majority of you want to hear. I am just not that way, I don’t mislead, hide behind issues, pretend I am something I am not, just to get elected. You have every opportunity to visit with me or question me on any issue, so you can make an informed decision Aug 6 and Nov 5th.
5. 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, the State should have baseline accountability measures across the board to public and private schools. I believe the current testing procedures is out of control, too much, and somewhat ineffective in ensuring students are prepared for the fields they desire and the State needs.
6. 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? (Special education has been underfunded by the state every year since 2008.) If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why. We have turned over many needs to the State that could and should have our vested interest and involvement at the local level. One way to fix this and to reward good (a function of government) is for the State to double the dollars the local community/city/county foots themselves. In this effort, the communities that want to tackle special education services are rewarded with a great deal of government funds and support, not to mention the wonderful families, businesses, etc that come with these children.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide? Mississippi children should have high quality early childhood education by whatever means and avenues the local community is behind.
8. 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? Stop incentivizing unstable homes. Start an increase in incentivizing and supporting marriage, family, adoption, mentoring,
9. Do you support raising teacher salaries at least to the level of our neighboring states and raising pay for teacher assistants? Yes, I support a significant raise at least to the level of neighboring states to all those working in the classroom. As well as Law Enforcement and First Responders. And the promotion of greater respect and care for all the above.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature? I don’t think the Legislature should be shown favoritism, it’s an act of service, but with the Salary being around $10,000 for many of these individuals you would have to come back out of retirement to live. That said, they could have an option of receiving retirement if they give their smaller Legislature salary back in. This action could benefit me therefore I can be easily swayed to make a decision on this that does not benefit me.
11. 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. Legislators are making decisions for entities they have very little knowledge about all the time. I will seek to be the most informed. Although I am a small businessman I don’t assume I know anything about someone else’s business before reaching out to them and digging deep. Every business is different. Although I have taught in the school room and at Ole Miss and on athletic fields I don’t assume I know how things affect others. Every situation is different and the impact and consequences of decisions cannot be taken lightly.
12. Legislators receive tremendous pressure from the leaders of their chamber (House or Senate), state and party leaders, and corporate lobbyists, to vote in ways that may contradict the will of their constituents and harm their communities. How will you respond to this pressure? I am accustomed to doing a tremendous amount of work with a servant’s attitude and approach for very little in the way of reward or compensation. What influences others simply doesn’t influence me in government, military, charitable service or positions. You will have to study me or get to know me to know this. As for pressure, in the military we were shot at, mortared, roadside bombed, yelled at by Commanding Officers, sleep deprived, etc but somehow I could often laugh at it, it didn’t really change me, we stayed the course and we all came back safe from harm– not my doing but God’s, so how could I succumb to the pressure of being a Legislator? In addition, I have tackled duties at times more challenging than military that some of you are familiar with like, Athletic Director and managing a Family Club, Small Business etc. Glad to meet with you anytime. Brady Williamson- Candidate MS House District 10
Kelly Morris (defeated in primary runoff)
1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family? I have 2 children that have gone through the public school system. Currently I have 5 grandchildren that are still going and are going to be entering school. Along with that, my wife worked in the school system (K-3) for many years.
2. Do you agree that the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) should be fully funded every year? If yes, what actions will you take to ensure full funding? If no, explain why. Yes, I do agree that it should be funded. Fully funding would enable adequate education which will empower students with the skills and the knowledge that is needed to elevate MS up from the bottom.
3. 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 would look at all aspects of Revenue that comes in and try to make sure our money is used wisely to keep from taxing. Investing in our students and making them more productive will ensure a better quality of life and bring in more funding for education.
4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not? Yes, taxpayer dollars need to be used for Public run schools to help students. Private schools that I have dealt with in the past do not provide the extra help to the students that are in need of it.
5. 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 they are going to use taxpayers’ money then they should be held to the same accountability as the public school system.
6. 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? (Special education has been underfunded by the state every year since 2008.) If yes, how will you accomplish full funding? If no, explain why. I do agree, the special education services need to be fully funded. This is something that would need to be looked at, finding money and making cuts in places that can be made. These students can be productive citizens (and want to be) and lead a better quality of life if we are able to fully provide them with a better education.
7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide? Yes, we need to start teaching students to read in K-3 more. Don’t wait to 3rd grade reading test and then wonder how we are going to teach them to read to pass on to the 4th grade. Start early in a child’s life teaching them to read.
8. 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? We need churches to be more involved in the lives of our students. There need to be stricter laws on the drug epidemic and we need more programs that encourage our students and provide parents with the help that they need.
9. Do you support raising teacher salaries at least to the level of our neighboring states and raising pay for teacher assistants? I feel that teachers’ salaries need to be equal to our neighboring states, but I also feel that if we raise the salaries of our teachers and their assistants then they need to be held to a higher accountability.
10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature? Yes
11. 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 will
12. Legislators receive tremendous pressure from the leaders of their chamber (House or Senate), state and party leaders, and corporate lobbyists, to vote in ways that may contradict the will of their constituents and harm their communities. How will you respond to this pressure? I am a man of my own. I will seek knowledge from others and integrate that knowledge into my decision and pray about it before making a final vote.
