I am the father of three children who graduated from the Tupelo public school system and went on to public universities. I understand the important role education plays in our children’s futures and in our state’s economic development, and I believe education should be a top priority for any elected official. It is important to make sure the federal government is playing a constructive role in our education system and not building an inflexible, unworkable bureaucracy.
I believe the federal government should place an emphasis on education, but most decisions should be left to parents and state or local officials. Whatever steps we take on a national level must empower local school administrators, teachers, and parents to make the best decisions for their students and children. It is important that state and local governments maintain the flexibility needed to direct funding to the greatest needs in their community.
