Rewrite public education funding formula
Speaker White’s statement that the House “will work to scrap, rewrite public education funding formula” is something that concerns me and should for all parents with students in public schools. We should watch his actions very closely. a.) how will this affect the funding that we are currently receiving? Will that amount be decreased? Will more burden be put on our struggling public schools systems? b.) how will this affect funding for charter and private schools? it is a fact that the Super Majority want to give public money to charter schools c.) what stipulations will the Super Majority put on our public schools? It is a fact that Gov. Reeves wants to “reward” schools that ignore history. Black History that glosses over American and MS sins of the past. I am flattered that Speaker White mentioned that the Democrats “lambast” the Super Majority over MAEP funding. However, one could assume that Speaker White is more concerned about the attention the Democrats give to public education that the Super Majority wishes to ignore. Make no mistake. The new plan will somehow work to benefit private, charter schools and “school choice” and school vouchers. If you are concerned about Speaker White’s plan, now is the time to act and let him know your concerns and that you are watching and listening to his actions. Let your Senator and House Rep know you are interested and want to act for Public Schools. If you are a member of the MS Legislature and you share our concerns, please reach out to your constituents for their help and their action. You do not have to fight for public education alone. Your constituents will help you help Mississippi public education.
ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION
PROUD TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION & Working families FACT: DeSoto County Schools were not fully funded in 2023. We were shorted over $21m. We haven’t been fully funded since 2007. SOURCE: MAEP AND THE PARENTS CAMPAIGN. I will fight to fully fund our DeSoto County Schools based on the MS Constitution, State Board of Education and the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP) I will fight to save the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) I will fight for a Vocational Diploma Route for students w low proficiency and special needs students. Endorsed by the Mississippi Association of Educators“Your candidacy has been endorsed due to your demonstrated support for our students, educators, and public schools. Welcome to TEAM MAE! We are delighted to have you as a team member” Erica Jones, President, Mississippi Association of Educators. Endorsed by the Mississippi AFL-CIO“The Mississippi AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions believe in standing with our members, community, and political leaders who help working families. Our dedication to Mississippi will not waver when it comes to laws that protect workers and their families. We firmly believe David Olds WILL help us create a better future for our community.” Michael Hodges, AFL-CIO State Campaign Director. I receive these honors with pride and a tremendous sense of responsibility. I will honor the trust that the MAE and the Mississippi AFL-CIO members have placed upon me.
Mississippi School System
David Olds Special Election Interview Q & A. 1. What is your experience with K-12 public schools, personally and/or with your children or family?I was educated in the public school system as well as my wife and my two children. My four grandchildren are in the system and two more will be as they become of age. I have several friends who are or were educators. 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 believe that all school systems in MS should be 100% fully funded based on the MAEP standards. They not only should be fully funded BUT all monies should be received from the state. If elected, I would request to be on the Education Committee. I would be a voice and advocate for public schools. 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?Work with all House Reps to ensure a fair and equitable budget. I support Federal funds to support Medicaid expansion. I support the elimination of the grocery tax. Mississippians are suffering under the current administration and its neglect and abuse of their power. 4. Will you oppose vouchers that send taxpayer dollars to private schools, religious schools, home schools, or virtual schools? Why or why not?Yes. I oppose school vouchers for private, religious, home and virtual schools. I oppose AG Fitch’s underhanded attempt to give $10 million to private schools. The MS Constitution is clear as to prohibiting public funds going to private schools. 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 accountability must be the same, the accreditation must be the same, books and curriculum must be the same. And once again, those schools should NOT receive taxpayers dollars. I’m of the opinion those schools want the money but NOT the accountability. 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.Yes. Students with disabilities deserve the same opportunities. Autism has become a major challenge in our school systems. It is a challenge that the public schools must and will be able to accept and rise to the challenge. 7. Do you agree that Mississippi should provide high quality early childhood education statewide?Absolutely. Early learning is so important to get the child engaged and interested in reading. It’s the foundation that will determine if that child graduates or drops out. 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?1. Eliminate the “tax on life” – the grocery tax. Food insecurity is real to a lot of Mississippians and must be addressed. As a state we can afford free breakfast and lunch. 2. Healthcare must be addressed. We must expand Medicaid in MS. We have hospitals in the Delta closing because the Gov and the majority simply ignore the problem. Children must have adequate and convenient healthcare in order to succeed. 9. In the 2022 Legislative Session, a significant teacher pay raise was passed. Do you support continued pay increases to ensure that Mississippi’s teacher salaries keep pace with inflation and salaries in our neighboring states?Yes. We need our dedicated educators to stay in Mississippi. We must be competitive with salary and benefits. Being competitive in education is simply investing in MS. 10. Do you agree that retired educators (and other retired state employees) should be able to draw their retirement while serving in the Legislature?Absolutely. These educators and state employees earned their money. It’s their money. Serving in the Legislature should not prevent them from their retirement account and should not deter them from seeking an elected position in the Legislature. 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. As I prepared for the campaign, I searched out those with election experience. I will seek guidance from all of the above. And weigh all ideas, comments, and suggestions. I will utilize the resources of The Parents’ Campaign, MAE, and MPE. 12. In the past, legislators have received tremendous pressure from the leaders of their chamber (House or Senate), state and party leaders, and corporate lobbyists, to vote in ways that could contradict the will of their constituents and harm their communities. How would you respond to such pressure?I am very passionate about my beliefs and will not back down. I know how to ask questions and listen to answers. If elected, I will be debt free from campaign responsibilities. Please check out www.votedavidolds.com. 222 N President Street, Ste 102Jackson, MS [email protected]
Patriot Front
