La House of Representative Candidates (Districts 81 - 105)

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 am fortunate to have three School Districts within District 81 (St. James Parish, Ascension Parish and Livingston Parish).  As a recently retired 34 year employee in Industry, problem identification and causal reasoning based solutions were important tools we used to ensure success.  Reviewing the common topics of debate and legislative actions related to education that are stated below are consistent with what I am hearing on the campaign trail and are a great starting point for our next Governor, Administration and Legislatures to begin addressing and most importantly, implementing initiatives while removing barriers that continue to surface year after year.  This is a generational election and I consider myself a generational Leader that will partner with LCSA and others to set our education system up for success.

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

The rankings of 1, 2, 3, & 4 could be reversed as I believe all four require our top priorities for the success of our education system.

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 that our Educators are closest to the children when it comes to learning.  Having a sister who is an Elementary School Principal and many members of my immediate family in the education system as teachers, coaches and administrators, it is important that we understand the barriers in place that prevent them from being successful.  For me, being educated and informed on the positives, understanding the regrets and developing a consensus on teacher flexibility and freedom allows me to support the changes needed.

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

Response: I believe our role in the legislature as it relates to public education in our state is up for debate.  Session after Session, education is one of the key topics addressed.  Our State Constitution of 1974 says that the Legislature shall provide for the education of the people of the state and shall establish and maintain a public education system.  

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: With my acknowledgement that I have room to learn about charter schools, I place myself at a "3" for support of charter schools.  However, I do look to this organization to provide information and inform me of the benefits of charter schools so that I can be supportive and move the needle from a 3 to a 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:  School systems in my 3 parishes are largely supported and test scores are very competitive...therefore it is not a hot buttton item like flood control responsible growth and crime.....school choice has come up and teacher pay.

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

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: Very skeptical ....its a no

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

Response: Funding MFP and enhancing teacher pay ....fostering an environment where when critical, money follows the student

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

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: Teacher pay and Retention. 

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: Yes

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

Response: Serve as a check on any runaway policies of BESE and school Boards

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: 2

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: Teacher Pay and school choice. Raise pay and expand choice

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. Expanding Education Choice
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: Raise teacher pay expand choice

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: Families are seeking stronger choices and unbiased teaching. I'm in favor of supporting alternative educational paths and ensuring 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 endorse teachers' independence. Let's liberate them from unnecessary red tape, allowing them to concentrate on core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics.

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

Response: It is the responsibility of the legislature to deliver accessible education, equitable funding, and impactful policies that promote student achievement.

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: 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: Everyone wants to improve education everywhere all the time; however, ideas vary greatly in the extent of improvement and the particulars of proposed improvement from person to person.

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 Education Choice
5. Social and Cultural Issues
6. Expanding Early Childhood

I first and foremost believe that our tax-payer funded education should be honed in on producing graduates that are able to function in the real world as productive and independent adults.  Along those lines, our education should teach real and valuable skills and for those that are choosing the college path, college preparatory skills.  Our education fails both students and citizens when it fails to teach valuable skills because those graduates will not have a viable economic future ahead of them without on-the-job training to acquire remediation of skill deficiencies.  That on-the-job training is not readily available because of minimum wage laws, making it increasingly difficult for failed educational institutions to properly prepare graduates for the real world that awaits them.

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, always and passionately.

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

Response: To monitor it carefully, safeguard those public dollars, and ensure it is meeting certain standards.  Not to overly burden and regulate or to impose social agendas.

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, school choice programs, and money following the child programs with one very important reservation - I believe education is best administered locally and therefore I believe that the ultimate administration of these programs should also occur locally.  I recognize that this is largely a philosophical position and practicalities may demand otherwise.

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: I do hear a lot about education.  We have knocked on more than 2,000 doors at this point, and our voter contact data tells us that education is the third most frequent issue that voters would like to discuss.

As a legislator, I plan to keep education as a major focus.  First, I would very much like to serve on House Education Committee.  I have an extensive body of work in the education space over the last decade through my work as the Education & Workforce Council Chair at LABI, work we have done locally in Jefferson and St. Tammany Parish with school board members and superintendents, and through some electoral work with BESE through the years.  

I am a product of a public-school education - both K-12 and higher education.  My mom was a para, and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in education, and recently retired as a reading specialist for her school district in SC.  My wife, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law are also professional educators.  My three daughters all attend public schools in St. Tammany Parish.  

I am a consumer, taxpayer, and advocate for both a strong, high performing public school system, as well as providing kids and families more choice and freedom in education when they do not have options available to fit their needs.  Not only do I believe that, but I have also practiced it - both in the legislature and in helping secure the first charter school in St. Tammany Parish to serve students diagnosed with dyslexia.  

I plan to continue that advocacy - to improve outcomes for all students (public, charter, home school) as a legislator. 

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

I believe we must refocus our efforts to provide high quality pathways in high school to students who show propensity and interest for high paying careers in the skilled trades, IT, manufacturing, health care and more career options that do not necessarily require a 4-year college degree.  We need to reinvent our high school time to allow more students to begin working towards credentials and licensure in the fields where workforce demands exist. Lastly, we must maintain high standards for accountability in performance - rewarding those who perform well and assisting those that need to close gaps to make sure all students have the bright futures they deserve.

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: Absolutely, and I agree.  I recently held a meet & greet with a group of teachers, and they shared this with me as well.  They largely believe they are not allowed to practice their profession - that instead, they are forced to robotically deliver a curriculum that leaves students behind on the basics of literacy, numeracy, phonetics, and more. 

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

Response: I believe the legislature plays a pivotal role in helping set and facilitate education and workforce outcomes. While BESE provides a policy role, the legislature can help set an agenda, prioritize initiatives for improvement, funding through the MFP, retirement debt structuring, teacher pay, education choice/options, and more.

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: I would be a 5.  I was critically involved in helping to secure our first charter school in St. Tammany (Louisiana Key Academy, Northshore) and serve on its board.  

I have always been a charter school proponent, but after walking through a very difficult circumstance with my youngest two daughters and their learning challenges, further compounded by the pandemic school closures.  Despite all of the traditional symptoms of dyslexia, we had to strongly advocate and challenge our school and process to secure an IEP and the interventions she needed to be successful.  At great personal expense, we had her tested privately, because the school system wanted to wait for an additional half a year to test her.  Only when we had a confirmed diagnosis, did the school respond to the concerns we and her teachers had made. Recognizing that not all parents have the resources, background, knowledge, or time to advocate the way we did for our children, I worked to secure a new option for children and families in our parish who did not feel well served by the system's approach to dyslexia. 

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: I've had the opportunity to engage with many constituents, and one of the most consistent concerns I've heard is that the current house member has not been a voice for the educational needs in the district and has not worked with schools and leaders in education reform to improve education overall. Additionally, I hear families voice their concern about not getting their preferred charter placement.  Here's how I plan to address these concerns and work towards improving access to quality education and standards in all charter schools in our district:

I fully understand the importance of being a strong and dedicated advocate for education in our district. If elected, I will make it a top priority to be a vocal champion for our education system in the state legislature. This means actively engaging with stakeholders, including parents, students, educators, and community members, to understand their needs and concerns and bring their voices to the forefront of legislative discussions.

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. Funding K-12
4. Expanding Early Childhood
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, I wholeheartedly support giving teachers the flexibility and freedom they need. Teachers are experts closest to the students and their unique needs. I want to help empower them with autonomy to explore creative approaches to teaching that will benefit our students. Teachers should be able to innovate, adapt, and tailor their teaching methods to maximize learning outcomes for students rather than get caught up in bureaucracy that isn’t helping our young people.

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

Response: The legislature's role includes securing sufficient and equitable funding to provide essential resources while ensuring successful student outcomes through evidence-based policies. Sometimes the legislature needs to be more involved, other times it needs to get out of the way of innovation and student success. Parents and communities should be able to make decisions that best suit their educational needs.

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

Response:  I have room to learn and am excited about seeking the best outcomes for our students and working closely with you.

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

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 education system needs to get 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. Expanding Early Childhood
2. Expanding Education Choice
3. Teachers
4. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
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: Not sure I hear more and more that parents want more input on class curriculum 

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

Response: Providing proper funding and working with the school boards to get the grade pints up

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, But it concerns me that because there is so few charter schools that all kids cannot get into one. So who decides who gets in and who doesn’t 

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: Teachers and faculty are underpaid.  Work with other legislators and Governor to increase teacher and faculty pay so that we are competitive with surrounding states.

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. Funding K-12
4. Social and Cultural Issues
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

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

Response: Modify existing and pass new laws that provide public education school systems with the tools and resources to keep students and faculty safe and that offers best education for our students.  

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

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: School violence and meeting with parents and school board members to see if there's something that can be done by either statute or through increasing the presence of mental health counselors.

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. Funding K-12
4. Expanding Early Childhood
5. Teachers
6. Social and Cultural Issues

I don't see that addressing the issues is an either/or matter. 

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 must emphasize the basics that will benefit students in life and not engage in ideological indoctrination. 

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

Response: Facilitate improving Louisiana's bottom standing in terms of 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

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'm hearing many parents say they feel our schools in St. Bernard parish are over crowded and an additional high school is needed.  I'm also hearing parents say they feel education is less focused on academic basics and focusing more on issues parents should have sole say in their children's lives on things such as gender related 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. Teachers
2. Academic Outcomes and College and Career Readiness
3. Expanding Early Childhood
4. Expanding Education Choice
5. Funding K-12
6. Social and Cultural Issues

Louisiana is in a teacher crisis.  We need to expand recruiting efforts to attract teachers to Louisiana and encourage more students to major in 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: No.  That's actually been part of the problem.  Teachers always should have discretion in their presentation style to the children, but straying from how courses and subject are mandated produce inconsistencies in teaching.  It also opens the door for teachers to allow their personal and political preferences to influence children, which has no place in the classroom.

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

Response: To set the standards and guidelines for what is taught in the classroom.  BESE and many school boards around the state have failed.  Perhaps it's time for the legislature to take a more proactive role in the curriculum.

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.  Charter Schools help encourage competition.  Competition is always good at producing a better product and better result.

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: 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: Underfunded, not enough teachers, and bad working conditions

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

Recruiting and retaining is top because so many of our schools are understaffed.

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: Make infirmed decisions based on consulting with subject matter experts.

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 in some situations they serve their purposes.

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