JACKSON, MS (WLBT) –
Throughout his campaign for governor one of his top platforms has been education and Thursday, the state’s democratic nominee, Johnny DuPree, laid out what he calls his signature Mississippi Educational Restructure Program.
“Education is really where it is, that’s really where it is,” said DuPree.
The mayor from Hattiesburg unveiled his plan in Jackson at Operation Upward, a child care center serving more than 300 children primarily from low income families. It’s places like this where DuPree says reform is key and center director Robrelle Murray couldn’t agree more.
“If the foundation is laid appropriately and you have certified teachers you have everything that you need in order to prepare the children for the classroom setting,” said Murray.
Under the four phase plan, DuPree hopes to begin with early childhood development and teacher education as well as reducing the state tax burden on teachers to put more money in their pockets and that’s just a start.
“We’ve got to be determined to pay our teachers a decent salary. If we’re determined to do that, we can do it,” said DuPree.
WLOX via WLBT
10/6/11
Magnolia Tribune
