La House of Representative Candidates (Districts 70 - 80)

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: Funding needed to keep our great educators and attract others. Efforts to bring everyone up, not lowering standards to pass students. 

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. Social and Cultural Issues
3. Expanding Early Childhood
4. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
5. Expanding Education Choice
6. Teachers

Excellence , not everyone needs to go to college to succeed in life, basics first achieved 

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: Everyone needs oversight, that is the problem now on many levels , no oversight

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

Response: Assist local government  to help student excel not survive.

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: 3 i need to assure that any and all tax funds have oversight!

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:  The perception of our public education system is that it is a failing system. I remind people of the improvements we have made in past ten years; but I also tell them that from funding early chilhood education and care to dual enrollment programs on the secondary level, we must meet the early education needs of our state, must continue to offer more diverse course offerings, and must offer students and parents options for school attendance.

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. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Teachers
4. Expanding Education Choice
5. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
6. Social and Cultural Issues

These are all important to an effective state system of schools; it is difficult to decide which is more important between some of these.

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: Ultimately, it will depend on the policy/policies recommended. Academic freedom and flexibility in delivery of course content is important to teachers, and the Legislature should support this as much as possible.

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

Response: To enact policy intended to improve student achievement at all levels; to provide school choice for parents and students; to find avenues for attracting more teachers to our classrooms, especially, in our critical shortage areas; to provide consistent funding to early childhood education and care;  and to make sure we fund these priorites at the appropriate levels are things our Legislature can and should do.

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. I have always been in support of schools that place student achievement at the forefront.

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: We have some really good public schools in our district, so it's not one of the top issues.

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. Teachers
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Education Choice
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: Reading, writing, and math are necessary, and I believe the teachers should have flexibility in their teaching of other subjects based on the local children's needs.

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

Response: Our role should be to fight for the best education options for our children, including setting standards and requiring comparable assessments.

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:  2 - Charter schools are a good concept, but should be tested and rated the same as public schools.  Also, funding should be provided on a monthly basis instead of paid out in October for the full year.

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: Unruly children in the classrooms disrupting the education environment and process.  Children that do not respect their parents will not respect a teacher.  We need to prioritize making the classroom a place to learn and stop allowing those who misbehave to hijack the classroom.  I am all about grace and second chances, but at some point, we need to make the classroom a place where a teacher can teach more than play disciplinarian to a handful of bad apples.  

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: Yes - We need to allow our teachers to TEACH and not mandate specifically what they teach!

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

Response:  Establish policy and funding as a whole - but allow the ins and outs of the curriculum to be left to BESE and the local school boards.

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 believe free-market competition delivers a better product or service

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 failed Education system is a roadblock in Louisiana's future. Louisiana spends the most per student in the Southeast for some of the lowest educational outcomes: We need to look at states like Texas and North Carolina that spend less per student yet continually rank in the top 10. Yes, the 2023 Regular Session made significant actions on education bills. Louisiana is still in the bottom ten states nationally for student achievement. While improving in some areas, Louisiana is far from done. It is imperative we elect legislators that will make these efforts to accelerate student learning and expand educational options for its school-age children a top priority. 

I will continue that fight to improve our failing education system through all available means. That includes school choice, both public and private, Charter Schools, and Homeschooling. School Choice and Educational Freedom

House of Representatives passed two bills that would have expanded school choice and educational freedom, allowing state dollars to “follow the child” to a family-selected school. House Bill 9 by Representative Rhonda Butler would have created an education scholarship program for children with disabilities, allowing them to use state funds that would have otherwise funded their education in a public school at a state-approved private school or to design a home-based program using state-approved education service providers. That bill was passed 94-3 and reported favorably by the Senate Education Committee but was not advanced to the full Senate for a vote. These bills along with others would have expanded public school choice and the ability for families to transfer from one public school to another within their school system or across district lines. I will ensure these bills and other like them will be put up in the house. 

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 Education Choice
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:  Yes

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

Response: While the role of the Legislature in education is in the state constitution, I believe it has delegated too much of its power. Groups like BESE have diluted our education system by lowering graduation requirements. Our Legislature needs to do its job and take back some control. Start by passing a comprehensive parents' bill of rights and setting state-wide graduation requirements on par with top-performing states.    

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: Many citizens are have concerns for their children's safety and welfare. I will enforce and take measures to protect our children from exposure to drugs, violence and issues that families feel are a threat to our cultural, moral and faith beliefs that are a threat to parents, children, families and teachers. The fear of violence in schools needs to be a priority for our legislators to resolve so that the future of academics and sports are preserved as part of our access for all citizens seeking to advance themselves.

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

I would prefer our state to be known as a strong educational state then not; we have the talent we need to money to enrich our faithful teachers. 

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, Teachers should not need to pass a cultural or political test to teach. We do not require our other state employees to carry out other agendas other then their job of service.

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

Response: The legislature is a partner, protector, and source of strength for our public educational system. Imagine our state once we begin to promote education and teachers. 

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 Charter schools should comply or exceed state standards for academic success.

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

Response:  Excellent

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: My friends and neighbors are concerned about a) school safety, b) teachers are not allowed to educate their students, they must teach to a test. and c) they feel their parental rights have been stepped on, As the parent they feel they should have the first and last say about their child education. They are also, tired of the Bill Gates, common core experiment. 

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. Expanding Early Childhood
4. Funding K-12
5. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
6. Social and Cultural Issues

If we expand school choice, you will get better schools. This will bring choices for parents, giving them a say in their child's education and bring about competition. We will be able to offer better pay, bring more qualified and dedicated teachers. 

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 would most definitely support teachers being able to teach. Other than the parents no one knows the students better than the teacher. Teacher do not want to and should not be forced to teach for test scores, 

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

Response: The legislatures first and most important job is to represent the people of their district. They should offer legislation that support the overall safety, education and wellbeing of the student. They should fight for the funds to provid3 the best education possible for our greatest asset. Our children are our future, we must fund school choice to provide a competitive market.

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: Concern for teachers leaving the profession, curriculum taught to students, discipline and school safety overall, and lack of parental involvement for too many students

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

All of these are very important! I wish I could rank them all 1. We need a comprehensive approach to education that focuses on a core mission of preparing students to be skilled and ready after graduation, empowers parent involvement, and engages the larger community in the importance and necessity 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: Research supports that the quality of the educator in the classroom is the most influential factor on a child's education. Therefore, we must support teachers' ability to use their skill and "art" to educate and inspire learners. I do believe in a strong focus on the fundamental skills every student needs to have a solid foundation for education in whichever path they choose.

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

Response: Policy and 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: 5  I see absolute value in charter schools as I strongly value parent choice and involvement in the education of their child(ren). 

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: Parents and teachers are all frustrated with our current schools.  We need more choices so parents can find the right fit for their child.  Currently every public school is trying to do everything for every one and not doing any of it well. 

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 Education Choice
3. Teachers
4. Expanding Early Childhood
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: I agree teachers should have more flexibility in the classroom as they can respond best to individual student needs. Teachers are burned out with mandates that have nothing to do with core subjects.

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

Response: The legislature should further improve the accountability framework for schools and create a funding structure that supports choices in 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 believe charter schools should be an option included with many choices for parents.

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: We need education reform in the state and I believe the first item we need to address is teacher pay.  If an educator is paid better, that will lead to them teaching the children better.

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. Teachers
2. Expanding Early Childhood
3. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
4. Funding K-12
5. Expanding Education Choice
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 believe the basics should be taught but flexibility on how to teach the children should be up to the educators.

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

Response: I believe legislators should stay out of public education since they are not the professionals on the subject.

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: 1

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