La House of Representative Candidates (Districts 51 - 69)

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response:  That they don't have the funding or the resources they need to succeed.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response: 

1. Funding K-12
2. Teachers
3. Expanding Early Childhood
4. Social and Cultural Issues
5. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
6. Expanding Education Choice

Of course I believe that academic outcomes , school safety, and school choice are also my priority and deserves just as much attention as the other categories, but if I am forced to give each a number, this is where I would start.

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Yes

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: To establish education policy, to formulate a budget for education and allocate revenue/resources.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response:  "3" I think there are high performing public school districts and poor performing public school districts. I believe there are high performing charter schools and poor performing charter schools.

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Louisiana’s election system from pre-K through college is shoddy. I hope to begin rebuilding virtually the entire structure.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Funding K-12
2. Teachers
3. Expanding Early Childhood
4. Expanding Education Choice
5. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Finding and paying qualified teachers is priority number one. There is an extreme teacher shortage, especially in pre-K and in STEM programs which must be corrected first. Only with a foundation of qualified teachers can an educational foundation be built. Since there is strong evidence that nearly all brain development occurs before First Grade, it’s essential that qualified Early Childhood teachers be in place first; there’s no poi;T in putting carts before horses.

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Only to a certain extent, and primarily in upper grades.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: Fully fund education from Pre-K through college

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response:  

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 3

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Poor

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response:  Poor

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Teacher pay is the first thing in the way. To fix it is to dedicate the money to the teachers each parish has a different tax base so we need to dedicate X amount of dollars from the state and get the teachers pay raise. 

No student left behind. We need to cater to each student to make sure they get the materials for learning that they need to move forward.

Broadband. We need to improve the broadband system. We got $2.8 billion to do this from the federal government. Let’s put it to work.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response: 

1. Social and Cultural Issues
2. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
3. Teachers
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Education Choice
6. Expanding Early Childhood

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Yes, because teachers know what the students need Way More than we do in the legislators, so let’s move the students forward and let the teachers teach

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: We need to listen to the educators, hear what their needs are, and supply them with what they need. Our students are first - not the legislators - so we have to give the students what they need to advance, read the charts that are coming out and listen to the educators that are teaching every day.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Room to Learn

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 4, Lack of knowledge of the charter school system and how it works. Need more information

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Good

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Good

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Throughout my district, I hear that public education is failing to properly prepare students due to student poverty is a growing problem, a lack of parent support, and teacher pay.

As a legislature, I would like to offer year-round school for K-12, whereas a myriad of ancillary enrichment be offered.  Some of these services would include the arts, workforce development skills, and internships.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1.  Expanding Early Childhood
2. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
3. Funding K-12
4. Teachers
5. Expanding Education Choice
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Educating the whole child begins with early education, everything else from curriculum, funding, teachers, school choice, and personal needs are all components the entire educational experience. 

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: I believe core subjects: math, science, social studies, and English should be mandated courses.  However, teachers should have flexibility with elective courses outside of those mentioned.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: The role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state is to shape education policy and designate proper funding.  

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response:Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: I support charter schools on a scale of 5, particularly those that work in concert with the local public school district.

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Good

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Zachary Community schools are based in my district and have been the top rated public schools for years.  I tell my voters that it is time to implement Zachary's blueprint for Baker's school district.  The question is how? Zachary has a substantial property tax millage dedicated to the schools.  I'd rather see a one cent sales tax presenting to voters within the Baker school district to provide additional funding.    

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response: 

1. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
2. Teachers
3. Funding K-12
4. Expanding Early Childhood
5. Expanding Education Choice
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Discipline should not have been included with Social and Cultural issues.  Of course, Discipline should be handled by parents in the home but there seems to be few consequences for poor behavior in our schools. This should be addressed immediately.  

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response:  As this reads, I would not.  High Schoolers have flexibility in creating their own schedules.  Elementary schools could possibly benefit from teachers having this flexibility but the question is too broad.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: The House of Representatives role is to allocate funding.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Room to Learn

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 4.  Parents need options when the public school system is not providing the education they feel their children need.

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Good

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Good

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Beyond the educational system, Louisianans care about constitutional carry and unnecessary mandates. I'll address these concerns too.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1.  Expanding Education Choice
2. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
3. Teachers
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Early Childhood
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Teachers should have the flexibility to tailor education. I'll champion efforts to remove bureaucratic obstacles, letting them focus on essential subjects such as reading, writing, and math.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: Legislators should facilitate a conducive environment for quality education by crafting policies, funding adequately, and promoting innovation in our public schools.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Very Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Good

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Our district is concerned that parents retain a voice in education and that choices are available for students to ensure educational needs are met. I will support parent choice and that local needs are not overshadowed by state government directives. We need to ensure that our educational system is meeting the needs of our changing economy and that schools have the tools to meet the local needs of the community. 

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response: 

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Teachers
3. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Early Childhood
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Many of the priorities are related and intertwined with others. We need to ensure that schools meet the local needs of families and that parents have a voice in ensuring the educational outcomes of their children. Hiring quality teachers (and a corresponding reduction in administration size and cost) with evidence-based curricula will help ensure these outcomes. The evidence clearly points to better outcomes for children who are exposed to early reading and educational opportunities. I believe this starts in the family with support from day care and school-based programs. Lastly, schools should be an environment where students are taught how to think; not what to think. 

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: I believe that teachers should be given autonomy to teach consistently with the goals and mission of parents and local communities. Teachers should not be burdened with overly intrusive requirements and that our students should be the focus of our work. The needs of students should be prioritized over the needs of administrators and bureaucrats. 

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: My general philosophy is that local needs should be met at the local level. There is no one-size fits all solution. The state should assist in supporting the local authorities but providing resources and checks and balances to ensure that the local schools are meeting the needs and expectations of the state as a whole. 

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 4 I support Charter Schools and encourage options from which parents can choose. I do want to ensure that Charter Schools continue to be responsive to the standards and expectations of the state and local communities. 

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Good

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Poor

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: I support school choice.  I believe parents should have the ability to choose  the school that best fits their children.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
4. Teachers
5. Funding K-12
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Yes

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: The job (role) of a state legislator is to pass laws. It is the legislature’s responsibility to establish general statewide policy, levy taxes, appropriate and otherwise decide how state monies are spent, and establish and review the activities of all governmental agencies and officials.

In addition, they are called upon by their constituents to assist in a variety of ways, including: obtaining aid from public agencies; providing information about state programs, current law and pending legislation; providing assistance at the state capitol; securing projects and programs for House & Senate districts and aiding in solving problems both governmental and personal, including acting as a mediator with a state agency on behalf of a constituent or local governing authority. It is their responsibility to serve.

Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Room to Learn

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: I hear their concerns for public schools and the cost they have to pay for private education. They are for supporting school choice and want more opportunities. We need to pass legislation supporting ESA's and similar legislation so parents have the ability to decide what's best for the child as it pertains to education. 

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Social and Cultural Issues
3. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
4. Teachers
5. Expanding Early Childhood
6. Funding K-12

Overall, I care a great deal about education and all of these are a serious priority honestly, as it was hard to put in order.  We need to focus on all areas of education.  Many on the list are equally important.  

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response:  I believe that we need to focus more on the core subjects vs. other topics or added curriculum due to the overwhelming load on teachers.  Our children need to be excelling in the basics first, and that should be the utmost priority.  

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: I believe that legislators should work towards creating more opportunities for children to succeed through legislation. They have the ability to shape the budget and allocate resources to areas they are focused on.  They have a critical role shaping policy and bringing attention to areas in need.  Legislators should recognize the importance of local by-in and make sure that districts are able to lead the conversation as to what's working and not working.  Their role is to be a voice for their district and the people they represent as it pertains to education. 

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5 - I am for charter schools. I think that we need options. My children attend a charter school in Baton Rouge so we have had the opportunity to see the impact of a strong charter school first hand as another option.  

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Families want stronger options and unbiased teaching. I'll support alternative education paths and fair instruction.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
3. Funding K-12
4. Teachers
5. Expanding Early Childhood
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: I support teachers' autonomy. Let's free them from unnecessary bureaucracy, ensuring focus on essential subjects like reading, writing, and math.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: The legislature's duty is providing accessible education, fair funding, and effective policies that foster student success.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Residents of District 68 are very concerned about education. They believe that a good education for every child is foundational to Louisiana's success. Residents are very supportive of school choice and want assurances that all children will have a path to success in school and career! They expect for me to have education on the top of my priorities and it will be.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Teachers
4. Funding K-12
5. Social and Cultural Issues
6. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness

I found these items very difficult to rank. They are all important, but I had to take into account the work that was done in the most recent legislative session where strides were made. School choice and placing parents/family members in charge of selecting their children's school remains the key to success. 

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Yes! Working in schools for 17 years, I have watched excellent teachers teach the same standards in different ways and both achieve success. Standards are important, but we must recognize that teaching can at times be an art and good teachers needs the flexibility to adjust and adapt to the needs and personalities of their classes. (Yes, classes and grades have different personalities from year to year and it is really fun to watch great teachers thrive in a changing environment.)

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: The role of the Legislature is to guide the adoption of standards, create opportunities for all students to learn, create a stable system that empowers school leadership and encourages educators, fund education, and guide accountability efforts.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5 I think charter schools have an important role in our education system.

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: Voters support school choice and the money following the child. 

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Expanding Education Choice
2. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Funding K-12
4. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
5. Teachers
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: Yes

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: Provide the resources needed to have our children educated properly to prepare them for success. 

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Somewhat Knowledgeable

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 5

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response: Fair

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Poor

Q1: As you campaign throughout your district, what do you consistently hear about public education and how will you address it as a legislator?

Response: They are concerned about quality of education and safety. I support both the charter schools and the public education. I believe that the final decision on education opportunities

should rest with the parents but the teachers and administration need to work on their own to provide the best available education and provide a safe environment.

Q2: Over the last decade, the most common topics of debate and legislative action related to education can be placed in six general categories. Rank the categories from 1-6, with 1 representing your top priority.

Response:

1. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
2. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Teachers
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Education Choice
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Student outcomes regardless of their career path is the most important goal of education.

Q3: We believe that educators are closest to the child when it comes to learning, therefore making them the authorities on the needs within their classrooms and schools. Will you support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom from mandated courses and bureaucracy that is not focused on the core subjects of reading, writing, and math?

Response: I think that the programs need to focus on reading, writing, math, science, history and civics.

Teachers need to focus on socialization skills as well as pure education. I don't think that the legislature should be involved in setting academic standards.

Q4: What do you believe is the role of the legislature as it relates to public education in our state?

Response: Their key responsibilities are to arrange proper financing of our school programs and support early childhood care and teaching.

Q5: How would you rate your knowledge and understanding of charter schools?

Response: Room to Learn

Q6: On a scale of 0-5, where would you place yourself on your support for charter schools, with "0" being opposed to charter schools and "5" being a charter school champion? 

Response: 3 My first priority is the support of public schools both in regular schooling and charter.

Q7: How would you rate the job being done by schools in your district?

Response:  Good

Q8: How would you rate the job being done by schools throughout the state?

Response: Fair