The next few weeks are extremely important to our children and our public schools.
A recent federal court order mandated that 14 of Mississippi’s legislative districts be redrawn. The primary election for those seats will be held on August 5 with the general election to follow on November 4. The outcomes of those races will have a tremendous impact on the Mississippi Legislature’s level of support for public education.
We must elect lawmakers who are truly committed to public education.
The good news is that public school educators, parents, and supporters make up the largest voting bloc in Mississippi, and there are many candidates, in both parties, running on a public education platform. If we stick together and support the candidates who support our public schools, we can continue the remarkable achievements being made by our children and teachers and keep our local communities strong.
The first step is knowing where the candidates stand on public education. Starting today, you can learn that on our Candidate Q&A website.
We asked candidates for their thoughts on issues like school funding, teacher pay, pre-k, and the voucher scheme that takes millions of dollars away from public schools to fund private schools. You can see their answers here.
When candidates don’t respond to our questionnaire, it could be just an oversight. Or it may mean they don’t want you to know their positions on public education. If candidates in your district haven’t responded, ask them to do so now. Send them this downloadable Candidate Q&A survey, and encourage them to respond. Be sure to use your own social media pages to share links to candidates’ answers – let’s get the word out about their positions on public education!
With the voucher lobby ratcheting up its campaign to shift public funds into private schools, it is more important than ever for public school supporters to get engaged in every election. A few minutes of your time can ensure that we elect people who will support our public schools.
If you’d like more details on how to get involved, shoot us an email or give us a call at 601.961.4551. Our kids are counting on us, and together, we’ve got this!
