2015/04/20 – Three big names in education in the state discussed the state’s education issues during a panel at Millsaps College on Friday.

Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, state rep. and House Education Committee Chairman John Moore and 42 for Better Schools Communications Director Patsy Brumfield spoke before a crowd of students, professors and members of the education community.

While Brumfield and Musgrove spoke primarily about the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the formula that specifies the funding amount necessary to provide an adequate education to public schools each year, Rep. Moore talked about the state’s economic history and the importance of keeping a full Rainy Day fund in case of economic downturns and natural disasters.

“Full funding of education is a wonderful goal for us to have. We need to be constantly pushing in that direction,” Moore, who had to leave the forum early because of a medical issue, said.

Moore pointed out several education efforts the legislature has made since 2012, including the Literacy Based Promotion Act, increasing the amount of funding for classroom supplies for teachers and the passage of the special needs voucher bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant this week.

Brumfield and Musgrove focused primarily on the legislature’s failure to fully fund education despite recent improvements in the economy.

“According to my calculates we’ve had a substantial increase to our budget and while Chairman Moore does say we’ve had some difficult times, the money has increased dramatically,” Musgrove said.

Brumfield called Moore’s explanation a “sad story,” noting the leadership hasn’t even presented a plan to fully fund public schools.

“It is clear this legislature is never going to fully fund our public schools and the only way … to require that to happen is a constitutional amendment,” Brumfield, whose 42 for Better Schools advocates passage of a statewide ballot initiative amending the state constitution to require it to fully fund education.

Source: The Clarion Ledger 

Kate Royals