State of Alabama Archives: on Education
Arnold Mooney:
Repeal Common Core
Mooney's website highlighted the following campaign themes:- Improving Education and Repealing Common Core
- States' Rights and Limited Government
- Free Market Health Care
-
Pro-Life and Pro-Family
- Right to Bear Arms
- Increased Employment and Commerce
- Protecting Personal Property Rights
- Transportation
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Alabama Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Arnold Mooney:
Protect religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; State Rep. Arnold Mooney voted YES; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
Mar 11, 2015
Barry Moore:
Allow tax credits for parents for private schools
HB84: Alabama Accountability Bill: On tax credits for families with students in failing schools to attend another public or private school and for scholarship donationsNPR analysis: Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a bill that gives tax
credits to parents who want to transfer their children from a failing public school to another public or private school. Democrats and teachers' groups say the bill underwent massive changes, including allowing schools to choose which students they will
accept. "This is very important to very successful school systems," [one pro-school-choice advocate] says, "especially systems around Birmingham, that don't necessarily want to see a flood of students pouring over their borders and into their school
system."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-26-26 on 2/28/2013; State Rep. Barry Moore voted YES; Passed Senate 22-11-1 on 3/1/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on Mar/14/2013
Source: NPR analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB84
Feb 28, 2013
Barry Moore:
Protect religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; State Rep. Barry Moore voted YES; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
Mar 11, 2015
Bill Hightower:
Protect religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; State Sen. Bill Hightower voted YES; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
May 5, 2015
Bradley Byrne:
Bill allows tax credits for private K-12 scholarships
Byrne will file a major education policy bill expanding school choice nationwide. The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act would allow a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit, up to $5 billion nationwide, for donations made
by individuals and businesses that are used as scholarships for students to choose where they attend K-12 school. Sen. Ted Cruz is sponsoring a similar bill in the Senate but with a $10 billion cap on federal tax credits.
Source: Birmingham News on 2020 Alabama Senate debate
Feb 28, 2019
Bradley Byrne:
Wants private school tax credit, but supports public schools
I worked with the Trump Administration to introduce the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act developed in consultation with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Senator Ted Cruz. Our bill will create a non-refundable federal tax credit
for contributions from individuals and businesses to state-identified nonprofits called Scholarship Granting Organizations.
Very important to me, the bill does not take a single penny away from public education. I know the vast majority of students attend public schools, like my children did, and
I will remain steadfast in fighting for our traditional public schools, teachers, and students.
Source: Alabama Today on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Mar 11, 2019
Bradley Byrne:
Byrne picked to introduce Trump-backed education bill
Byrne and Sen. Ted Cruz are sponsoring the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. This pro-school choice legislation will give students and parents the freedom to make educational decisions that are right for them. Byrne said, "I am
proud to work with President Trump to advance our shared goal of expanding freedom and opportunity in education." The Trump administration chose Byrne to carry this legislation, which is a key priority for the president, in the House.
Source: Yellow Hammer News on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Jul 6, 2019
Brandaun Dean:
Got school officials replaced over ethics, performance
After leaving Howard University in 2014 Dean joined the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Jefferson County, Alabama where he successfully organized teachers in one of the state's lowest performing high
schools to replace the district's superintendent and the school's principal citing ethics and performance issues.
Source: 2021 Alabama Senate campaign website BrandaunDean.com
Oct 29, 2021
Chris Countryman:
Cutting the education budget is never a solution
Alabama has struggled over the years to provide quality educational resources to students in our public schools. Currently Alabama has a graduation rate of 72%. Many politicians continue to propose cutting the state
education budget in order to make room for many non-essential programs. Cutting the education budget in Alabama is never a solution when it comes to the education of students within the state.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018"
Mar 15, 2017
Chris Countryman:
Provide funding for college outside of sports scholarhips
Our educational system has failed to provide our high school graduates with affordable tuition costs once entering college. Countless state colleges offer expensive sport scholarships to High school sports stars but are ignoring many students who have
great potential, but are unable to pay for college or secure a college funding opportunity. Our students cannot be expected to compete in today's challenging job market if they are not provided with the resources that give them the tools to succeed.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018"
Mar 15, 2017
Chris Sununu:
Obtained $26 million grant for Preschool Development
I proposed a $6 million one-time cash infusion into UNH to rebuild the Early Childhood Center of Excellence to serve as a model for the rest of the country. Unfortunately, this investment was removed from the budget by the Legislature.
But the state worked with UNH and The NH Charitable Foundation to secure a $26 million federal grant for Preschool Development, which will build capacities for learning and wellbeing at home, in child care, and community based settings.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 13, 2020
Chris Sununu:
Compromise on student debt relief at no expense to taxpayers
Last year, I budgeted for a $160 million, ten-year investment in student debt relief that would have cost the taxpayers nothing. Unfortunately, the legislature killed that proposal, but
I am hopeful we can find compromise and finally deliver this opportunity to provide student debt-relief and direct scholarships -- again, at NO expense to the taxpayer.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 13, 2020
David Carrington:
Alabama needs massive increase in education spending
We must embark on a strategic path to move Alabama's K-12 education system from the bottom 10% to the top 25% in the next decade.
We need to fully fund Pre-K, restore funding for the Alabama Reading Initiative, expand vocational-technical programs and fully embrace dual enrollment. In addition, we need to double-down on our workforce development efforts.
This includes expanding career tech training programs and offering basic math and reading courses to the more than 500,000
Alabama working-age adults who can't escape the trap of a low paying job because they don't have a high school degree or a technical certification.
Source: Alabama governor campaign website, DavidCarrington4us.com
Jul 17, 2017
Doug Jones:
Invest in public schools, not private experiments
There is no doubt that the quality and funding of education in America (especially in our own state) have been uneven. Rather than abandoning these communities and schools to experiments overseen by political donors,
we must commit our nation to providing first class education for children regardless of where they live. Republicans say that they believe in "equality of opportunity." It is time to provide the resources to ensure that equality.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate website DougJonesForSenate.com
Aug 17, 2017
Doug Jones:
Public service & Pell grants to reduce college costs
College, too, must be within economic reach of all families--without burdening a student with overwhelming debt.
I support a program of public service in exchange for reduced college costs and full funding of Pell grants for students and additional research funding in the sciences and arts for the colleges themselves.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate website DougJonesForSenate.com
Aug 17, 2017
Doug Jones:
Supported integration of his high school in late '60s
At Fairfield High School in the late 1960s, Jones was inspired to take on soothing tensions that came with integrating his school. Darnell Gardner, a black classmate of Jones' who went on to become president of the Fairfield City Council, credits
Jones with easing him into a majority-white school. "We had some guys who didn't like integration, they called me names I'd rather not repeat," he said. "But Doug was always there, he'd take care of it and act as a mediator."
Source: Newsweek magazine on 2017 Alabama special Senate race
Dec 10, 2017
Doug Jones:
Loan forgiveness in targets jobs and locations
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals, or student debt forgiveness?Doug Jones: Unclear. Concerned with the racial gap in student debt, would support forgiveness for work in targeted jobs and locations. Also more apprentice
Tommy Tuberville: No. Opposes free public college and student loan forgiveness. "One person should not be paying off someone else's student loan debts. This doesn't teach responsibility."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Gary Palmer:
We need choice and local control
Several years ago, the federal No Child Left Behind law established a precedent; for the very first time, the federal government told local school districts that it must test students at certain grade levels.Common Core builds upon this precedent.
States that adopt Common Core standards will not only be required to test, they will now be told by the US Department of Education what tests their students must take.
Once fully implemented, Common Core will allow national entities to determine
what students are taught at the local level. Common Core is the means by which federal bureaucrats will exercise inappropriate control over local schools.
Alabama should follow the lead of other states and back away from Common Core and develop our
own high standards. We need innovation and entrepreneurship in education, not a national, top down solution. We need choice and local control--not mediocre national standards or federal bureaucrats imposing national standards.
Source: 2014 AL-6 House campaign website, PalmerForAlabama.com
Sep 30, 2014
Jessica Taylor:
Will end brainwashing of children with Critical Race Theory
They call me "vile" because I'm a proud Alabama conservative who pledges to fight against Kamala Harris, this administration's power center. They brand me as a "dumb hick" because I will end their radical attempts to brainwash our children with
Critical Race Theory. They call me "ignorant" because I won't stand by while they collude with Big Tech to censor conservatives and try to rewrite the rules so they can steal our elections.
Source: Washington Times on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Aug 2, 2021
John Rogers:
No tax credits for parents for private schools
HB84: Alabama Accountability Bill: On tax credits for families with students in failing schools to attend another public or private school and for scholarship donationsNPR analysis: Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a bill that gives tax
credits to parents who want to transfer their children from a failing public school to another public or private school. Democrats and teachers' groups say the bill underwent massive changes, including allowing schools to choose which students they will
accept. "This is very important to very successful school systems," [one pro-school-choice advocate] says, "especially systems around Birmingham, that don't necessarily want to see a flood of students pouring over their borders and into their school
system."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-26-26 on 2/28/2013; State Rep. John Rogers voted NO; Passed Senate 22-11-1 on 3/1/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on Mar/14/2013
Source: NPR analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB84
Feb 28, 2013
John Rogers:
Undecided about religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; State Rep. John Rogers voted NO; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
Mar 11, 2015
Katie Britt:
Focus schools on education, not LGBT indoctrination
All three GOP candidates for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat voiced support for Alabama's recent passage of legislation involving LGBT issues, including an amendment modeled on Florida's so called˙"Don't Say Gay" bill.
"Our schools should be focused on education, not indoctrination," said Katie Britt, former chief of staff for Senator Richard Shelby whose seat she is now vying for.
Both Britt and candidate Mike Durant, a former
Army helicopter pilot, said they support the Alabama legislation as a reinforcement of Christian values in schools.
"Of course, our youngest students should not be learning about sex in the classroom--that's the role of parents, not teachers," said
Britt. "We need to get God back in our classrooms and return students to saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day while standing for our flag."
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Apr 13, 2022
Kay Ivey:
Remove bad teachers; let students leave failing schools
The "Students First Act" Teacher Tenure Reform: Vowing to protect the state's greatest asset--the education of Alabama's children--lawmakers passed an education reform measure giving local school boards the resources to ensure the state has quality
teachers in every classroom. Grants local school boards more authority to remove bad teachers and is widely supported by the state's education community as a much-needed reform. Alabama Accountability Act-
Is a historic school choice plan that invests in students by giving families with students in a failing school the opportunity to receive an income tax credit to offset the cost of transferring a student to a non-failing public or private school.
The Act also empowers local control by allowing schools and school districts to enter into flexibility contracts with the State Board of Education.
Source: 2014 Alabama Lt. Governor campaign website KayIvey.org
Oct 30, 2014
Kay Ivey:
Charter Schools "plan of action" for statewide reform
We are one of only ten states left in the country without Charter Schools. So here are some of my ideas to lay out a path for Charter Schools in Alabama:- First, after you elect me as Governor, I'll create a Charter Schools "plan of action."
It'll focus on accountability and insist that students learn at high standards.
- Next, I'm going to utilize the "bully pulpit" of the office to hold town hall meetings to organize and rally support from the people who want real reform.
-
After the plan of action is fully developed, I'll work with others to have the results crafted into a legislative bill. The bill could be similar to that of Georgia's, which allowed local parents, teachers and administrators to transform their school
districts into districts comprised entirely of charter schools.
- We could start out by experimenting with a small number of targeted districts in different areas around the state, rather than instituting a "blanket plan" statewide.
Source: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website KayIvey.org
Mar 31, 2010
Kay Ivey:
Charter Schools offer quality alternative to private schools
[To implement] a Charter Schools "plan of action" will require a collaborative effort. There will be certain, stiff opposition from teachers' unions and a few stubborn school boards and administrators. Existing public schools should welcome
Charter Schools as an option, not a threat. Across the country, Charter Schools are helping--even saving--fragile, vulnerable students who have the most serious needs. They are also proven to reduce the shift from public schools to private schools and
homeschooling.The Benefits To You:- Charter Schools allow parents a greater voice and more control over their children's education.
- Charter Schools can offer a quality alternative to homeschooling and expensive private schools.
-
Charter Schools establish innovative ways to educate our students and increase our graduation rates. A more informed and educated individual produces greater success and prosperity for all.
Source: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website KayIvey.org
Mar 31, 2010
Kay Ivey:
Strong Start, Strong Finish: from pre-K to workforce
For Alabamians to have career opportunities, they must be prepared when the right job comes along. My education initiative, Strong Start, Strong Finish, does just that. Under Strong Start, Strong Finish, we will coordinate our efforts and bring all
stakeholders to the table in order to improve education all the way from Pre-K to the workforce.I instituted Strong Start, Strong Finish, because we must prepare our people for the jobs of today and for the jobs of tomorrow.
By 2020, 62% of all jobs available in Alabama will require some form of postsecondary education. However, today, only 37% of our workforce has achieved such an education. We must ensure that our students graduate high school and then earn
a postsecondary certificate or degree.
I'm proud to have quickly become known as a governor focused on education. Over the past nine months, I have devoted a great deal of my time to my role as president of the State Board of Education.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Kay Ivey:
Invest in Pre-K: now more than 1000 classes
The tremendous efforts of the Department of Early Childhood Education have enabled Alabama's First Class Pre-K to be ranked as the nation's highest quality program for the 12th consecutive year! Last year, we increased funding by
$18.5 million dollars, which was the largest, single-year increase ever approved. Because of that, 107 new First Class Pre-K classrooms were added last fall, which led Alabama to officially break the 1,000-classroom mark.
Alabama's teachers are vital to our students and they deserve to be the highest paid public employees in our state. That is why,
I am proposing a four percent raise for all teachers: pre-k through community college! Without our teachers, our students cannot achieve success! The foundation for a strong future for all Alabamians begins in the classroom.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Kay Ivey:
$25 million for Pre-K; $1B for public schools & colleges
We all know that a world-class workforce begins with a world-class education system. The path that leads to that starts with a solid foundation constructed during the first 5 years of life.Just think... 95% of a child's brain develops from birth to
age 5. My education budget that I am proposing will provide an additional $25 million dollars to expand our nationally-recognized First Class Pre-K program. This significant increase will expand the program by another 193 classrooms.
I am proposing a $1 billion-dollar public school and college authority for K-12 education, as well as for our two- and four-year colleges and universities. This money will be distributed on a formula basis to allow for much-needed capital improvements
across the state. Equally important, this bond will not include any legislative earmarks for pet projects. It has been almost 14 years since Alabama made an investment of this size by providing direct help to our schools.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 4, 2020
Kay Ivey:
$1.25 billion bond for K-12 public schools, state colleges
While 2020 presented a host of challenges, the year also gave us opportunities to do some big things such as work with the Legislature to pass the Public School and College Authority Bond.
This $1.25 billion investment sent money to every K-12 school system, and to all of our two- and four-year colleges. The proceeds of this bond will be transformational for years to come.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Kay Ivey:
Won't accept the existence of a failing elementary school
In Alabama, our students will be focused on core curriculum. That means being proficient readers by the end of third grade. After we collect useful data during this upcoming spring semester, implementing the Alabama Literacy Act will be a must.
We must also ensure our kids are focused on developing their math skills, studying history--not theory--and mastering other classes like science and writing.
We should pledge, together, that we will no longer accept the existence of a failing elementary school in our state. Early learning is the bedrock of a quality education. How can we expect to have successful middle and high schools if we have
failing elementary schools? To that end, I am proposing resources to support grants for failing elementary schools that are not one-size-fits all, but rather, are customized to the particular needs of each of those struggling schools.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Jan 10, 2022
Kevin Stitt:
Raise donations caps for fund for public and private schools
Now is the time to raise the cap on the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship to $30 million, to allow Oklahomans to be rewarded for investing their funds directly to our students and schools
Increasing the tax credit cap will provide additional incentives for donors, resulting in more public-school grants and private-school scholarships.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 3, 2020
Lynda Blanchard:
Choice move to good school or pay for private not right
Schools were an issue that a number of members of the audience brought up. Blanchard said that her children are currently in public school, but that they moved to a good school system. They have also done private school."It is not right,"
Blanchard said. "People in Alabama are given the choice to either move into a neighborhood with a good school system or pay for private school. Not everyone can afford that."
Source: AL Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial race
May 12, 2021
Marcus Bowman:
Be mature enough to allow school prayer
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Keep God in the public sphere"A: Strongly support. The 1st Amendment states that while there should be no law establishing religion there also should be no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion.
Thus should folks want to pray before a meeting or at school we should all be mature enough to live and let live.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Marcus Bowman:
Vouchers help achieve the best possible education
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Vouchers for school choice"
A: Strongly support. I want to see the best possible education in public and private schools and I believe vouchers help achieve that goal.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Mike Durant:
Reinforce Christian values in schools
All three GOP candidates for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat voiced support for Alabama's recent passage of legislation involving LGBT issues, including an amendment modeled on Florida's so called˙"Don't Say Gay" bill.Both Katie Britt and candidate
Mike Durant, a former Army helicopter pilot, said they support the Alabama legislation as a reinforcement of Christian values in schools.
A spokesperson replied on behalf of Durant, telling˙AL.com˙that the words, "anti-trans" are the language of liberal indoctrination. "The liberal media would love nothing more than to indoctrinate our youth with woke ideology,
tell seven-year-old children to explore their 'gender identity,' and encourage kids on the playground to ask each other what their pronouns are," said a campaign spokesperson.
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Apr 13, 2022
Mo Brooks:
LGBT sex ed? Hell no; not in Alabama
All three GOP candidates for Alabama's open U.S. Senate seat voiced support for Alabama's recent passage of legislation involving LGBT issues, including an amendment modeled on Florida's so called˙"Don't Say Gay" bill.
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks said he believes the bills are pro-science and will protect Alabama from a left-wing agenda to lie to children. "The amoral Left claims they own our kids and wants to lie to our children about biology and science," said
Brooks. "My reply is simple: 'Hell no. Not in Alabama.'"
Gov. Kay Ivey signed the two bills into law [this week]. One criminalizes gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth. Another requires students use the bathroom of the "biological sex"
listed on their birth certificate and, in an amendment modeled on Florida's law, prevents classroom discussion of topics "regarding sexual orientation or gender identity" in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Apr 13, 2022
Parker Griffith:
Statewide lottery to fund Alabama schools
Alabama's 8th-graders finished 50th among states in math last year. Griffith sets himself apart by calling for a lottery to help fund education. Griffith said about the 50th ranking in 8th-grade math: "It's a loud wakeup noise for us," Griffith said.
In 1999, Alabama voters rejected a lottery to pay for scholarships, pre-kindergarten and school technology. Griffith believes that voters would support a lottery now, and already buy lottery tickets in Tennessee, Georgia and Florida that fund education
in those states. "We want them to stay here," Griffith said. "I think people understand that gaming is happening all around Alabama." Griffith said that pre-kindergarten would be one of the recipients of funding from his new education lottery.
Bentley said he does not think a lottery is the best way to fund government & that he would oppose earmarking such funds for specific purposes. He also said, "I have never been opposed to allowing people to vote on anything, and that includes a lottery."
Source: AL.com coverage of 2014 Alabama gubernatorial debate
Sep 7, 2014
Parker Griffith:
AdWatch: New statewide vote on school-funding lottery
Democrat Parker Griffith released a new ad this afternoon touting his promise that if elected governor he will push for a vote for a lottery to support public schools.The 30-second spot repeats what has become a standard refrain from the
Griffith campaign, namely that the only thing standing between Alabama and a brighter future is Republican Gov. Robert Bentley.
Griffith is hoping that his support for a lottery does for his campaign what it did for former Gov. Don Siegelman in 1998 when then Lt. Gov. Siegelman defeated Republican Gov. Fob James. Democrat Siegelman campaigned promising that if elected he would
push for a vote on a lottery to support schools.
Siegelman won and the Legislature, then in the hands of Democrats, approved a vote for a lottery. The public overwhelmingly rejected it in 1999.
Source: AL.com AdWatch of 2014 Alabama gubernatorial race
Sep 3, 2014
Robert Bentley:
Give more power to school boards to make decisions
We will give flexibility to local school boards to prioritize and make decisions that affect the schools in their districts.
We will remove restrictive language from legislation that dictates decisions made by these schools board and give them additional funding and flexibility so they can put the money to highest and best use.
Source: 2011 Alabama gubernatorial press release #4728
Mar 1, 2011
Robert Bentley:
Supports moment-of-silence and teacher spanking law
Bentley indicates he supports the following principles concerning education:- Support sex education programs which stress abstinence.
- Endorse a mandatory "moment of silence" after the pledge of allegiance in public schools.
-
Support state-funded merit scholarships for Alabama students to attend college in Alabama.
- Q: Do you support the current law that allows teachers to spank a child as long as the teacher follows local school board policies?
A: Yes.
Source: Alabama 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Robert Bentley:
Though benefits will be cut, no teaching jobs will be lost
Beginning with 2012, we will ask our teachers to contribute more to their individual retirement and to health care insurance programs. We are only asking our teachers to do what virtually everyone else has been forced to do in these tough economic times.
And though there will be sacrifices--I will not sacrifice one single teacher's job. Classroom sizes will not increase. There will be no cuts to the length of the school year or to contract days for teachers or support personnel.
Source: 2011 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Mar 1, 2011
Robert Bentley:
Improving schools with a federal/state/private partnership
Governor Bentley announced results for A+ College Ready's Advanced Placement Training and Incentive program. Program schools achieved a 108% average increase in passing Advanced Placement scores. A+ College Ready is a proven investment that is
preparing our students for college and the jobs of tomorrow. The funding is a public-private partnership that includes the legislature, the National Math and Science Initiative, the U.S. Department of Education and private donors.
Source: 2011 Alabama gubernatorial press release #5513
Aug 24, 2011
Robert Bentley:
First Class program: voluntary Pre-K education
We must give children a chance at success even before they reach Kindergarten. We must close the achievement gap. Children and schools must be given every chance to succeed. I truly believe by allowing greater access to a voluntary Pre-K education, we
will change the lives of children in Alabama.Alabama's First Class program is nationally-recognized for its quality. Alabama is currently 1 of only 4 states in the country to meet all 10 quality benchmarks established by the National Institute for
Early Education Research. The benchmarks include teacher training, staff-child ratios, support services and more. However, only 6% of Alabama's 4-year-olds are currently enrolled in the First Class program. The state also ranks a disappointing 33rd in
access among the 40 states that offer pre-K programs. In order to expand access, Governor Bentley proposed additional funding for voluntary pre-kindergarten in the fiscal year 2014 Education Trust Fund.
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
Robert Bentley:
First Class Pre-K good, but only enrolls 12% of kids
Griffith and Bentley both support expanding the availability of pre-kindergarten. Alabama's voluntary pre-K initiative, First Class, started in 2000 and is well-regarded nationally. The Legislature, at Bentley's request, has doubled funding for
pre-kindergarten over the last two years, to $38 million. The program has grown accordingly but still serves only about 7,400 children, about 12% of the state's 4-year-olds.Bentley said he will ask the Legislature for another $10 million increase
next year. He said the state should gradually expand it be available to all 4-year-olds statewide. "Every child would have a foundation upon which they could build," Bentley said.
The governor said statistics show the value of First Class.
All of its children, for example, have gone on to become grade-level readers in third grade. Moreover, pre-K narrows the achievement gap: Low-income children who experience pre-k are less likely to struggle later.
Source: AL.com coverage of 2014 Alabama gubernatorial debate
Sep 7, 2014
Robert Bentley:
Allow tax credits for parents for private schools
HB84: Alabama Accountability Bill: On tax credits for families with students in failing schools to attend another public or private school and for scholarship donationsNPR analysis: Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a bill that gives tax
credits to parents who want to transfer their children from a failing public school to another public or private school. Democrats and teachers' groups say the bill underwent massive changes, including allowing schools to choose which students they will
accept. "This is very important to very successful school systems," [one pro-school-choice advocate] says, "especially systems around Birmingham, that don't necessarily want to see a flood of students pouring over their borders and into their school
system."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-26-26 on 2/28/2013; Passed Senate 22-11-1 on 3/1/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on Mar/14/2013
Source: NPR analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB84
Mar 14, 2013
Robert Bentley:
Protect religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
May 7, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
Our classrooms should be cathedrals: $650B to repair them
Education is the silver bullet in America. The starting point for everything that we as Alabamians want to see for our state is in the education of our children. Statistics show that the success of a state directly correlates with the education of its
people.Our classrooms should be cathedrals, our teachers of the highest caliber and all students should be given every necessary opportunity to ensure that they have the skills to be a productive member of our society.
Unfortunately, that is
not always the case. According to many experts, it will cost tax payers $300 billion just to bring our schools up to an acceptable level. That does not include the new facilities that will be necessary to meet the needs of our growing school
age population. My plan for the economy would generate $65 billion per year, for the next ten years, to repair our current schools and build new schools before falling back to $30 billion a year for maintenance and to provide for future growth.
Source: 2016 Senate campaign website CrumptonForAlabama.com
Jul 23, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
Vouchers take from public education
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Strongly disagree. It takes from public education.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Nov 26, 2015
Roy Moore:
Common Core? Education is not in the Constitution
Moore denounced federal government involvement in public education. "When the federal government starts usurping the powers of the state it's the right and the duty of its representatives to stand against that,"
Moore said after he was asked about Common Core curriculum standards used in Alabama and many states. "Education is not in the Constitution. It has never been in the Constitution."
Source: Birmingham News on 2017 Alabama Senate special election
Apr 26, 2017
Roy Moore:
Feds out of education; encourage vouchers
The federal government should not hamper the educational systems of the states as there is no authority for federal involvement under the Constitution.
Programs like "Common Core" should be eliminated. Charter schools, vouchers, tax credits, home schooling, Christian schools, and technical training should be encouraged.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website RoyMoore.org
Aug 31, 2017
Stacy Lee George:
Local control but invest in teachers
Increasing parent involvement while strengthening Alabama communities is the first step in providing an industry leading education platform. Alabama must strive to set a new standard in education by treating our teachers like they deserve to be
treated. We need to reevaluate the educator pay scales and adjust at a rate that will enable us to recruit and retain the best educators in the nation.
Source: 2018 Alabama Governor website StacyLeeGeorge.com
Aug 17, 2017
Tim James:
Supports school choice including funding for church schools
We support options for learning, including: public education, parochial and private schools, charter schools, home-schooling, magnet schools and technical and vocational education. We recognize and support parental rights in their child's education.
Our children's education is a sacred stewardship under the authority of their parents.
For this reason, a Tim James Administration will support school choice where the family can utilize the funding allocated for each child enabling the student to attend the public,
charter, private, church or homeschooling program of their choice.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Tim James:
Permanently ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory
We will spearhead legislation to permanently ban the teaching of
critical race theory as a legitimate worldview in our K-12 schools.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Tommy Battle:
Education funding top of priority list; no specific plan yet
In an interview Battle, 61, said he would prioritize job creation, education funding, and ethics reform as governor, though he said he was still developing specific plans in those areas. Battle cited efforts to improve the city's education system
and infrastructure as keys to the city's recent success and said it took "hard work and shoe leather" to recruit the industries. "We've developed a model strategy to grow and prosper, and that's the same model we'll bring in state government," he said.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser on 2018 Alabama Senate race
Apr 27, 2017
Tommy Tuberville:
School choice, charters, public schools are part of the mix
The best and most viable solutions come from the local level where parents, students, and local administrators can collaborate and work towards success together.
And I believe that school choice, charter schools, and improving our existing public schools are all things that need to be a part of the education mix for Alabama children.
Source: 2020 Alabama Senate campaign website, TommyForSenate.com
Jan 12, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
When we took away prayer in school we killed this country
"When we took away prayer in the schools in the 1960s," Tuberville said, "we killed this country. We got to get it back." He then segues into a false representation of Islamic schoolchildren: "There's a double standard. We can't pray in schools but we
got a certain religion that's come into this country and they can pray five times a day in our schools.without repercussions. But if we say the Lord's Prayer you know we get suspended, our kids get sent home. That's wrong. That's going to change."
Source: Mother Jones magazine on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
Tommy Tuberville:
Disband U.S. Department of Education
He's calling for major change for education. "Let our state department of education decide 100 percent how we're going to handle education in this state,"
he said. "Take it out of Washington DC. Disband it. We don't need it anymore."
Source: ABC 33/40 on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Dec 19, 2019
Tommy Tuberville:
Students being indoctrinated in communism & socialism
Tuberville placed education at the top of his list. Each state should be in charge of its own education, not the federal government, he said. "We're in trouble in education," he said. "We've taken the wrong path on just basics of what we're doing.
We got to make some huge changes in that because we've got more and more young people who are being indoctrinated in communism and socialism every year . Education is a key to freedom. We've got to get the kids back to appreciate the country."
Source: Sand Mountain Reporter on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Dec 19, 2019
Tommy Tuberville:
Educate Alabama kids about values, God, & civics
If I had a magic wand today, I'd tell the Department of Education to close your doors in Washington, D.C. I'd love for every state to have their own Department of Education because we are different than Oregon, or New York, or
Texas. We want to educate our kids in the state of Alabama about values, about God, about civics, government, U.S. history. We want to know about capitalism, we could care less about socialism. Socialism doesn't work!"
Source: WHNT-19 Huntsville News on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Feb 26, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Laments that God and prayer taken out of school in 1960s
He lamented about God and prayer being taken out of schools in the 1960s, replacing God with metal detectors. Meanwhile, half the families have one or no parent, he said. "We don't need to push religion. This country was built on Christianity,"
Tuberville said. "And there are other religions here, fine. But don't try to change us. We ain't changing. Our Constitution was built on 'God We Trust.'"
Source: Jasper Daily Mountain Eagle on 2020 Alabama Sente race
Feb 9, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Irresponsible to use tax money to pay off student loan debts
Q: Under what circumstances should taxpayers help pay off existing student loans?A:
One person should not be responsible for ever paying off someone else's student loan debts. This doesn't teach responsibility to the generations coming after us.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Opposes free public college and student loan forgiveness
Q: Support free or subsidized tuition for lower-income individuals, or student debt forgiveness?Tommy Tuberville: No. Opposes free public college and student loan forgiveness. "One person should not be paying off someone else's student loan debts.
This doesn't teach responsibility."
Doug Jones: Unclear. Concerned with the racial gap in student debt, would support forgiveness for work in targeted jobs and locations. Also more apprenticeship programs.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Vivian Davis Figures:
No tax credits for parents for private schools
HB84: Alabama Accountability Bill: On tax credits for families with students in failing schools to attend another public or private school and for scholarship donationsNPR analysis: Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a bill that gives tax
credits to parents who want to transfer their children from a failing public school to another public or private school. Democrats and teachers' groups say the bill underwent massive changes, including allowing schools to choose which students they will
accept. "This is very important to very successful school systems," [one pro-school-choice advocate] says, "especially systems around Birmingham, that don't necessarily want to see a flood of students pouring over their borders and into their school
system."
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 51-26-26 on 2/28/2013; Passed Senate 22-11-1 on 3/1/2013; State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures voted NO; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on Mar/14/2013
Source: NPR analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB84
Feb 28, 2013
Vivian Davis Figures:
Undecided about religious expression by students in school
HB1: Student Religious Liberties Act: This bill would prohibit school districts from discriminating against a student or parent on the basis of a religious viewpoint or religious expression in public schools. This bill would require school districts
to allow religious expression in class assignments and artwork, and provide students with the freedom to organize religious groups and activities.Birmingham News analysis: [Proponents say the bill] ensures students maintain their
constitutional rights, mentioning a Tennessee student who was kicked out of school for saying "bless you" after someone sneezed. [Opponents] questioned the need for the bill, saying the First Amendment already gives students this freedom.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 80-11-14, Roll #60 on Mar/11/2015; Passed Senate 25-0-9, Roll #792 on May/5/2015; State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures voted PRESENT; Signed by Gov. Bentley on May/7/2015.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama legislative voting record HB1
May 5, 2015
Walt Maddox:
Proposes a state lottery to transform the education system
Alabama is failing its children by not providing every child with a top-notch education and the opportunity to succeed. Without raising taxes one penny, my proposal of the Alabama Education Lottery will transform Alabama's public education system.
The Alabama Education Lottery has four pillars: scholarships for higher education and workforce development, expansion of Pre-K, creation of the Promise Program to relieve funding inequities, and the creation of Community Innovation Grants.
Source: 2018 Alabama gubernatorial campaign website WaltMaddox.com
Jul 4, 2018
Will Boyd:
Ensure that no public dollars go to support private schools
- Work to close the widening gap between cost of living and cost of education
- Work to ensure that public schools have the resources needed to better prepare students for the changing economy
-
Ensure that public dollars are not used to support private schools that target only the elite
- Work to ensure that teachers are better compensated and have secure retirement plans
Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website DrWillBoyd.com
May 25, 2022
Will Boyd:
Close gap between cost of living and cost of education
- Protect funds for pre-college programs, Tech-prep and Perkins Loans
- Support efforts to connect college students to the right people and resources within their community to improve the chances of job acquisition
-
Support and introduce legislation that closes the widening gap between cost of living and cost of education as college tuition and fees have risen nearly three times as fast as median family income
Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website DrWillBoyd.com
May 25, 2022
Yolanda Flowers:
Funding for public schools is crucial, use money lottery
Yolanda is proposing the Lottery to fund our schools. Money from the lottery will fund better built schools with clean, filtered water, cleaner air system, and two nutritious meals. Funding for public schools is crucial and will be
greatly increased by funds from the lottery. More funding will also help to increase teacher pay. Increased teacher pay will attract more teachers to the profession.
Every student, upon entering school, is to be given a psychological evaluation to site any learning disabilities by the age of five. This will help the teacher, along with the psychologist,
to better design a curriculum for the students and develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This plan will follow the child to ensure they are successful through their education program.
Source: 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial website YolandaForGovernor.org
Jul 19, 2022
Yolanda Flowers:
Schools must be desegregated & become more diverse
Schools must also be desegregated.
The bias on our public school systems can still be felt today, and Yolanda will ensure that schools become more diverse.
Source: 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial website YolandaForGovernor.org
Jul 19, 2022
Yolanda Flowers:
Supports school choice if parents feel child learns better
1819 News asked Flowers if she supported school choice. "If the parent feels that the child learns better at the school then yes," Flowers said. "I hate to say that." Flowers said that she would like for everyone to get a quality education at
every school and that there are no "failing schools" but achieving that is going to take some time.
Source: 1819 News on 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023