Issues
Education
Issues
Education
Building An Education System For Every Child, Not Just The Privileged.
Every child in Alabama deserves a world-class education, no matter their zip code, background, or family income. Our schools are the foundation of our communities and the key to a stronger, fairer economy. But for far too long, Alabama has underfunded its teachers, neglected its classrooms, and treated education like an afterthought. That has to end now.
A strong Alabama starts with strong public schools. I’ll fight to fully fund K–12 education, raise teacher pay, modernize classrooms, support special needs programs, and ensure every single student has the resources they need to succeed. But learning shouldn’t end at graduation. That’s why I support raising revenue by taxing the rich and expanding our economy so we can guarantee every Alabamian the opportunity to attend community college and technical trade school tuition-free.
I believe education is the foundation of everything. It’s the great equalizer that opens doors and transforms lives. We don’t need small, cosmetic changes. Alabama ranks near the bottom in education in nearly every national metric. We need bold, monumental changes. Our schools should be centers of pride and excellence. Our teachers should be among the best paid and most respected professionals in the country. Education should absolutely be one of Alabama’s biggest investments, and fully accessible to every resident.
By investing in our students, teachers, and workforce, we can build a stronger economy where opportunity belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy few.
I’m a proud product of Alabama’s public school system. I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. But I’ve also seen its shortfalls firsthand. Education is the silver bullet. It’s not just an investment in our children, but an investment in Alabama’s future. Let’s build a state where every child can learn, grow, and succeed.
When I'm elected, I'll fight for these changes in our education system:
Fully Funded Public Schools: Our public schools should be places where students can learn and teachers can teach. Teachers shouldn’t be forced to buy classroom supplies out of pocket or work second jobs just to survive. I’ll fight for real, sustained investment in public education, including higher teacher pay, smaller class sizes, modern technology in every classroom, and safe, well-maintained school facilities that everyone can be proud of.
Protect Public Education: Public education is a public good. I oppose voucher programs and privatization efforts that take funding away from public schools and funnel taxpayer dollars into unaccountable private institutions that ultimately subsidize wealthy families who don't need it. Public dollars belong in public classrooms, strengthening neighborhood schools and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to a quality education.
Increase Teacher Standards and Pay: If we want the best outcomes for our students, we need to attract and retain the best educators. That means raising teacher pay to be competitive nationally, strengthening teacher preparation and professional development programs, increasing standards, and giving educators an actual seat at the table when education policy is made. Teaching should be a respected, well-compensated profession, not a financial sacrifice.
Invest in Career & Technical Education: College isn’t the only path to success, and students deserve real choices. I support expanding career and technical education programs that connect students to hands-on training, union apprenticeships, and high-demand local industries. These programs help prepare students for stable, well-paying careers while meeting the workforce needs of our communities.
Tuition-Free Community College & Technical Training: Education beyond high school should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. I support raising revenue by taxing the rich and expanding our economy so we can guarantee tuition-free access to community colleges and technical trade schools for all Alabamians. This investment will strengthen our workforce, reduce student debt, and empower more Alabamians to buy homes, start businesses, and strengthen our economy from the ground up.
Support for Special Needs Education: Every child deserves the resources and support they need to succeed. I’ll advocate for increased funding for special education from early childhood through high school, including proper staffing levels, higher pay, and ongoing training for special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Families should also have access to clear information, advocacy support, and essential services so that no child is neglected.
Expand Mental Health Support in Schools: Too many students struggle in silence because schools lack the resources to meet their mental health needs. I will fight to fund more on-site counselors, psychologists, and support staff in every school, while ensuring teachers receive training to recognize and respond to mental health challenges early. Supporting the mental health of students is essential to academic success and lifelong health outcomes.
Guarantee Meals for All Students: This one is simple. A child can't learn if they are hungry. I support ending lunch debt and guaranteeing meals for all students throughout the school year. Meeting the basic needs of students isn’t charity, it’s a moral imperative and a necessary investment in their health, focus, and future success.
Close the Digital Divide: In today’s digital age, reliable internet access is essential for education. Yet many rural and low-income communities in Alabama are still left behind. I’ll continue pushing for statewide broadband expansion so every student, no matter where they live, has equal access to online learning, homework resources, and educational opportunities. In addition, we have to continue to explore the negative effects of social media and the internet on our student learning outcomes.