I have always been a firm advocate for public education, and believe that education is an investment, not an expense. As a mother of two daughters, I know first-hand the importance of ensuring our public schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions are preparing our children for a 21st century economy. I got my start in politics as a local PTO member. Now, as a member of the NC Senate, I continue to advocate for:

• More local control and flexibility within our schools

• Additional resource officers in our schools including nurses and mental health professionals

• Pay raises and bonuses for teachers

• Restoring master’s pay for certain teachers

• Tuition grants for NCSSM graduates

• Testing Reduction

• School calendar flexibility

• Modifying the weighting of the school achievement score and the school growth score in the calculation of school performance scores and grades

• A comprehensive student meal debt policy to provide school lunches at no cost for school children who qualify for reduced-price meals at schools participating in the national school lunch program

• Making tier three counties eligible for needs-based public-school capital funds and for the ability to use funds from the public-school building capital fund for new construction leases.

The best decisions in government are made by those that are closest to the end users. Specifically, many of the best ideas for improving our schools come from parents, teachers, and principals in our local schools. As the State Senator for Iredell and Yadkin counties, I will always listen and respond to ideas and concerns – regardless of party.