Do you have any children? Are they school aged?

Yes, two children aged eight and ten.

If you have children, how are or were they educated?

Private school (private pay) and HOPE for private school.

What do you think is meant by the phrase, "a thorough and efficient system of free schools" as outlined by the West Virginia Constitution?

The state must provide an education to all children. I do think we are failing our children. We spend a lot per child but we are top heavy on administrative costs. The northern panhandle is lucky because we have the best schools in the state but we have to work toward helping our children rise in proficiency.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges to the WV education system and what do you plan to do about them?

We spend too much money on administration costs. We need to invest more in the student and education itself. I consistently vote against policies that will hurt students such as reducing instruction time. I also think we need to focus on trades and other real world eduction. Ai is changing the world and we need to prepare our children.

How familiar are you with the Hope Scholarship program?

Very Familiar

How important do you think the Hope Scholarship program is for children in our state?

Very important

Do you support the Hope Scholarship program? Why or why not?

Absolutely. Every child is different and needs to have access to an education that is best for that child.

How likely would you be to vote for removing sports or other extracurriculars as qualified (allowed) expenses in the Hope Scholarship program?

Very unlikely

How likely would you be to vote for an income limit applied to Hope Scholarship families?

Very unlikely

How likely would you be to vote for not allowing Hope students to use their funding for out-of-state schools?

Very unlikely

What do you think the pros and cons of the Hope Scholarship are for families? For the State of West Virginia as a whole?

The schools still get two thirds funding for not educating the student. It really is a win win for both the schools and the students. I do think there are still gaps in opportunities for students, even with HOPE. We need to reduce regulatory burden, including allowing religious exemptions to childhood vaccines, so that children truly have school choice. We are so oppressive that even virtual public learning requires vaccination.

Would you support increasing Hope funding for special needs students? Why or why not?

Yes. Money should follow the student.

Would you support converting the Hope Scholarship Program to an educational tax credit program? Why or why not?

I don’t know if this makes a difference except for it seems like it would be more burdensome and cause delays.

Do you have any questions about the Hope Scholarship Program?

No

Do you think there should be more or less restriction on school choice options (such as homeschooling, Hope, or any other options outside of public schools)? Why or why not?

Less restriction. Again, we need to provide as many opportunities as possible.