Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison DELAWARE

ELECTION 2020 Vice-Presidential Candidate Comparison

MIKE PENCE (R) - INCUMBENT KAMALA HARRIS (D) - U.S. SENATOR

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

In order to promote teacher recruitment and reten- During her 2020 presidential campaign, Senator tion, as Governor of Indiana, Vice President Pence Harris proposed using $315 billion in federal funds awarded $30 million in bonuses to teachers in over the next 10 years to increase pay for the schools across Indiana. During his term as gover- average American teacher by $13,500, or 23 percent. nor, Vice President Pence also awarded $63 million Senator Harris’ plan also provides teachers in the in performance bonuses to educators. Aside from highest-need schools with a further increase in their these actions, Vice President Pence has not artic- pay to boost recruitment and retention. Additionally, ulated a national plan for teacher recruitment and the plan would support programs at Historically retention during his vice presidency. Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) dedicated to teacher recruitment, training and professional development. Senator Harris’ plan would dedicate federal dollars toward the creation of a range of new teacher recruitment programs, including $2.5 billion for HBCUs with teacher training programs to diversify the teaching workforce.

Gubernatorial Candidate Comparison DELAWARE

Neither of these candidates responded to the Southern Education Foundation’s formal request for information regarding their education platform. All information for these comparisons was either sourced from the candidates’ websites, or from statements the candidates made in articles cited below.

JONN CARNEY (D) - INCUMBENT JULIANNE MURRAY (R) - ATTORNEY

John Carney is the 74th Governor of Delaware. Julianne Murray is an attorney and a Republican Prior to being elected to this position, Governor candidate for Governor of Delaware. Prior to opening Carney was Delaware’s at-large member of the U.S. her own private practice, Ms. Murray worked at a House of Representatives for three terms, from law firm and as a judicial extern for Justice Henry 2011 to 2017. Governor Carney also served as duPont Ridgely of the Delaware Supreme Court. Ms. Delaware’s Lieutenant Governor from 2001 to 2009. Murray received her Bachelor of Science in Human In this position, he created the Models of Excel- Resource Management from the University of lence in Education program that allowed schools in Arizona. She also holds a law degree from Widener Delaware to share best practices. Governor Carney University Delaware Law School. She is running for received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth governor to give Delaware a fresh start. College and his Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Delaware.

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JOHN CARNEY (D) - INCUMBENT JULIANNE MURRAY (R) - ATTORNEY

Main Education Priorities Main Education Priorities

Per his 2016 education policy proposals, Governor Ms. Murray believes that Delaware’s education sys- Carney believes that Delaware should make sure all tem should be teaching children “how to think, not children are prepared to learn as they enter kinder- what to think.” garten, all teachers and students are prepared with the resources needed to teach and learn and all students graduate high school college- and career-ready.

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

Governor Carney restructured the early childhood Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely- education governance and accountability model in publicized statements did not articulate a plan for Delaware to streamline the state’s early education improving early childhood education in Delaware if opportunities. In his 2016 campaign, Governor Ms. Murray is elected governor. Carney pledged to create a cabinet-level council to better deliver early childhood education, build stronger connections between early learning and K-12 schools, maintain support for high-quality programs and create more responsive intervention models for young children.

Equitable K-12 Funding Equitable K-12 Funding

During his first term, Governor Carney directed In an interview with Delaware Public Media, Ms. more resources to high-needs schools in Dela- Murray stated that there are two things that con- ware. Specifically, Governor Carney worked with cern her related to education funding in Delaware: the General Assembly to provide an additional $75 “high cost and low production,” related to the high million over three years to support students from per-pupil cost and what she describes as low testing low-income families and English learners and to outcomes. She stated that the state needs to look close achievement gaps. Governor Carney also es- at where dollars are being spent and that the state tablished the Office of Innovation and Improvement, should allocate more funding to classroom instruc- which focuses on improving high-need schools tion. Ms. Murray’s campaign website and wide- across Delaware. ly-publicized statements did not articulate a plan for making school funding in Delaware more equitable if Ms. Murray is elected governor.

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JOHN CARNEY (D) - INCUMBENT JULIANNE MURRAY (R) - ATTORNEY

Use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds (GEER) Funds

Governor Carney is giving priority to programs in Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-pub- school districts and charter schools that address licized statements did not articulate a plan for internet connectivity for students, social and emo- spending Delaware’s GEER allocation if Ms. Murray tional learning needs, instructional techniques is elected governor. associated with distance learning and equity issues associated with distance learning. Governor Carney has also dedicated some of the GEER funds toward the state’s Opportunity Funding Initiative, which is a program that targets resources to students from low-income families and English Language Learners.

Private School Choice Private School Choice

Governor Carney’s campaign has not articulated a Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-publi- position on private school choice. As a Member of cized statements did not articulate a position on Congress, Governor Carney voted against a propos- private school choice. al to expand the DC Opportunity Scholarship Choice Program.

Wraparound Services Wraparound Services

Governor Carney’s Opportunity Funding Initiative Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-publi- provides $75 million over three years for new men- cized statements did not articulate how Ms. Murray tal health supports and other important services plans to improve access to wraparound services if in schools. Additionally, Governor Carney launched elected governor. a Basic Needs Closet that stocks 45 high-poverty schools in the state with basic necessities including clothing, school supplies and hygiene products.

School Police and Student Discipline School Police and Student Discipline

In 2018, Governor Carney signed the School Safe- Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely- ty and Security Fund, which includes $5 million publicized statements did not articulate how Ms. for a range of school safety-related expenditures. Murray specifically plans to deal with the issues The legislation did not include funding for school of student discipline and police in schools. In an resource officers. interview with Delaware Public Media, Ms. Murray said that she thinks defunding police is “ridiculous and dangerous.”

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JOHN CARNEY (D) - INCUMBENT JULIANNE MURRAY (R) - ATTORNEY

COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance Learning Infrastructure Learning Infrastructure

Governor Carney believes that schools in Delaware Ms. Murray believes that Delaware’s economy has should reopen with a hybrid instructional model been hurt by Governor Carney’s COVID-19 shutdown. in the fall, but is ultimately leaving the decision up She believes the Delaware economy should reopen to local school districts. Governor Carney has not immediately. In an interview with Delaware Public articulated how Delaware plans to spend the state’s Media, Ms. Murray said that “the downsides of kids Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allocation. not going back to school creates a ripple effect and...parents are going to be left with situations that are largely unmanageable.” Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-publicized statements did not articulate how Ms. Murray would spend the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allocation, or how Ms. Murray would deal with COVID-19 and distance learning if she is elected governor.

School District Governance Models School District Governance Models

Per his 2016 education policy proposals, Governor Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-publi- Carney believes that the Delaware Department of cized statements did not articulate a position on Education should play more of a supportive role school district governance models. than a regulatory one. Governor Carney believes that local and school-level officials should be the primary decision-makers in education.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

In his first term, Governor Carney expanded the Ms. Murray’s campaign website and widely-publi- state’s High Needs Educator Student Loan Payment cized statements did not articulate how Ms. Murray Program, which offers up to $10,000 in student would address teacher recruitment and retention if loan relief for educators in high-need schools and she is elected governor. subject areas. Governor Carney also restructured the Delaware Department of Education to increase support for educators.

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NICOLE GALLOWAY (D) MIKE PARSON (R) - INCUMBENT STATE AUDITOR OF MISSOURI

Michael L. Parson is the 57th Governor of Nicole Galloway is the 38th State Auditor of Mis- Missouri. Prior to being sworn in as Governor in souri and the Democratic nominee for Governor of 2018 following the resignation of Governor Eric Missouri. Prior to being elected to her position in Greitens, Governor Parson served as the 47th 2014, Auditor Galloway served as Treasurer of Boone Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. Governor Parson County, Missouri. Auditor Galloway has also worked also served six years in the United States Army, 12 in various finance-related roles in the private sector. years as Sheriff of Polk County and a combined Under Auditor Galloway’s leadership, the State Audi- 12 years in both chambers of the Missouri General tor’s Office has identified and recovered more than Assembly. In his two years in office, Governor $350 million in government waste. Auditor Galloway Parson has focused on workforce development earned degrees in Applied Mathematics and Econom- and infrastructure in Missouri. Governor Parson ics from Missouri University of Science and Technolo- attended the University of Maryland and the gy and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Hawaii. from the University of Missouri.

Main Education Priorities Main Education Priorities

Governor Parson has not articulated his main ed- If elected governor, Auditor Galloway plans to invest ucation priorities if he is elected to a full term as in Missouri’s schools and teachers. She will put more Governor of Missouri. One of his main focal points money in classrooms and increase teacher pay and in office has beenworkforce development. Upon expand Pre-K programs in the state. his swearing-in to the position in 2018, Governor Parson supported increased funding to K-12 and higher education and increased local control for Missouri’s school districts.

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NICOLE GALLOWAY (D) MIKE PARSON (R) - INCUMBENT STATE AUDITOR OF MISSOURI

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

In his 2020 State of the State Address, Governor If elected Governor of Missouri, Auditor Galloway Parson noted that the state had received a $33.5 plans to expand Pre-K programs in the state. In her million preschool development grant to strength- current position, Auditor Galloway conducted an audit en its early childhood opportunities for students. of the state’s early childhood education providers in Aside from this, Governor Parson has not artic- 2015 and found that many inefficiencies exist in the funding for and payments to early childhood provid- ulated how he plans to improve early childhood ers. Auditor Galloway plans to expand the Pre-K grant education in Missouri if elected to a full term. program with targeted expansion in the state’s Black communities.

Equitable K-12 Funding Equitable K-12 Funding

Governor Parson believes that Missouri should Auditor Galloway plans to invest in education by put- increase school transportation funding and fully ting more money in classrooms and paying teachers fund the state’s K-12 Foundation Formula. Gover- what they deserve. nor Parson, however, announced $131 million in cuts to K-12 education in Missouri’s 2020 budget due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Use of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds (GEER) Funds

Governor Parson plans to use $20 million of the Auditor Galloway has not articulated how she plans state’s GEER allocation to support schools in to spend Missouri’s GEER allocation if elected providing additional devices for students. Most of governor. the funds will be used toward technology, teacher professional development and to fill gaps in access to opportunities within the state’s higher education system.

Private School Choice Private School Choice

Governor Parson issued an official proclamation Auditor Galloway has not articulated a position on in Missouri recognizing National School Choice private school choice if she is elected to serve as Week in 2020. Governor Parson spoke at a confer- Governor of Missouri. ence in Jefferson City, MO in January 2020 where Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos delivered a speech. Governor Parson has not articulated a position on private school choice if he is elected to a full term as Governor of Missouri.

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NICOLE GALLOWAY (D) MIKE PARSON (R) - INCUMBENT STATE AUDITOR OF MISSOURI

Wraparound Services Wraparound Services

Governor Parson’s School Safety Task Force Auditor Galloway’s campaign has not articulated a from 2019 focused partially on expanding ac- strategy for increasing wraparound services in Mis- cess to mental health care in schools. Governor souri’s schools if she is elected governor. Parson’s campaign has not articulated a strategy for increasing wraparound services in Missouri’s schools if he is elected to a full term as governor.

School Police and Student Discipline School Police and Student discipline

The Missouri School Safety Task Force, convened In 2019, Auditor Galloway called for a special legis- by Governor Parson in 2019, recommended that lative session to put an armed and trained resource all schools in the state have an armed resource officer in every school in Missouri. Auditor Galloway officer. The task force’s report also recommends does not believe in arming teachers, school faculty or additional training for school resource officers in staff. the state.

COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance Learning Infrastructure Learning Infrastructure

Governor Parson’s 2020 budget includes addi- Auditor Galloway has not described how she would tional funding to bring high-speed broadband spend Missouri’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allo- access to every community in Missouri, including cation, and her campaign has not articulated a plan the state’s rural communities. Governor Parson for bolstering Missouri’s distance learning infrastruc- has not released his plan for spending Missouri’s ture. Auditor Galloway called for a reopening plan Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) allocation. Gover- that keeps all of Missouri’s school-level professionals nor Parson called for reopening all of Missouri’s and students safe. schools for in-person instruction in the fall.

School District Governance Models School District Governance Models

Governor Parson believes in increased local con- Auditor Galloway’s campaign has not articulated a trol for all of the state’s school districts. position on school district governance models in her campaign for Governor of Missouri.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Governor Parson indicated he would improve Auditor Galloway plans to pay teachers what they teacher pay in his 2020 State of the State Address, deserve if she is elected Governor of Missouri, but did though he did not clarify a plan or propose funds not articulate how much teachers should be paid toward teacher pay raises.

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DAN FOREST (R) ROY COOPER (D) - INCUMBENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA

Roy Cooper is the 75th Governor of North Carolina. Dan Forest is the 34th Lieutenant Governor of North Prior to being elected to his current position in Carolina and the Republican nominee for Governor 2016, Governor Cooper served in the North Carolina of North Carolina in 2020. Prior to being elected to House of Representatives from 1987 to 1991, the his current position in 2012, Lieutenant Governor North Carolina Senate from 1991 to 2001 and Forest was a business leader for over 20 years and as the 49th Attorney General of North Carolina served as president and senior partner of North from 2001 to 2017. During his time in the state Carolina’s largest architectural firm, Little Diversified legislature, Governor Cooper focused on increasing Architectural Consulting. During his time in office, teacher pay and reducing class sizes, among other Lieutenant Governor Forest has become a leader issues. As Attorney General of North Carolina, of the private school choice movement, worked to Governor Cooper “cracked down” on child predators provide high-speed internet to classrooms across and worked to make schools safer. Governor North Carolina and served on the State Board of Cooper received his undergraduate degree from the Education and State Board of Community Colleges. University of North Carolina (UNC) - Chapel Hill and Lieutenant Governor Forest graduated from the his law degree from UNC School of Law. University of North Carolina (UNC) - Charlotte.

Main Education Priorities Main Education Priorities

During his first term, Governor Cooper focused If elected governor, Lieutenant Governor Forest plans on ensuring each student in the state had access to continue focusing on increasing teacher pay in to a high-quality education. To do this, Governor North Carolina, prioritize educational choice for Cooper has worked to put a quality teacher and parents and use technology to help schools move principal in every classroom and school, proposed toward learning based on the mastery of basic skills a budget that includes a 9 percent teacher salary and standards. Additionally, Lieutenant Governor increase, plans to build and improve upon existing Forest believes that schools must be open and public schools and funding for safer schools, and that every family has the option to send their child made investments in the state’s higher education to school in-person full-time. Lieutenant Governor system. Forest also plans to put an armed security officer in every school. Lieutenant Governor Forest’s education policy includes four key ideas: parent choice, four key positions in each school (a principal, an armed security guard, a computer science teacher and a trade professional), boosting ACT scores and increasing opportunities for apprenticeship and dual enrollment.

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DAN FOREST (R) ROY COOPER (D) - INCUMBENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

During his first term, Governor Cooper Lieutenant Governor Forest has not articulated a plan established the North Carolina Early Childhood for early childhood education in his campaign for Advisory Council (NCECAC) by executive order Governor of North Carolina. in February 2018. The Council includes 25 members from various industries, all appointed by Governor Cooper. The NCECAC supported the development of the state’s Early Childhood Action Plan, which lays out a comprehensive blueprint for improving early childhood education in North Carolina by 2025.

Equitable K-12 Funding Equitable K-12 Funding

In response to the North Carolina Supreme Lieutenant Governor Forest plans to reform the Court’s ruling in the Leandro1 school funding state’s funding formula to allow education funding case, Governor Cooper created the Commission to follow students to traditional public schools on Access to Sound Basic Education to or public charter schools. In an open letter to address the three key areas highlighted in the the state’s educators shortly after launching his original ruling: staffing each classroom with a campaign, Lieutenant Governor Forest described competent, well-trained teacher; staffing each the increases in education spending the legislature school with a competent, well-trained principal accomplished during his time as Lieutenant and identifying the resources to ensure that ALL Governor. students have access to their constitutionally- guaranteed sound, basic education. The Commission works in conjunction with various parties to ensure that the state meets its constitutional obligations to equitably fund K-12 education.

In his 2020-21 budget proposal, Governor Cooper proposed $50 million to serve the state’s highest-need students, schools, and school districts, including expanding funding for students with disabilities and English Language Learners.

1 The issue in Leandro v. State of North Carolina was whether the state was meeting its constitutional obligation to provide a “sound basic education” for all students where five low-wealth counties—Hoke, Halifax, Robeson, Vance, and Cumberland—did not have adequate funding or resources to provide an equal education for their children. The court held that all students in the state are constitutionally entitled to receive a sound basic education that guarantees them access to well-trained teachers, qualified and prepared principals, and equitable access to resources.

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DAN FOREST (R) ROY COOPER (D) - INCUMBENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA

Use Of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Use Of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (Geer) Funds (Geer) Funds

Governor Cooper is directing $95.6 million of Lieutenant Governor Forest has not articulated the state’s GEER funds toward supporting K-12 how he would use the state’s GEER funds from the and postsecondary students in North Carolina Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security most impacted by COVID-19. Specifically, (CARES) Act if elected governor. Governor Cooper plans to direct $40 million to the State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction to hire more school nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists in schools, and he plans to direct $20 million toward the needs of students with disabilities and other vulnerable student populations. The remainder of the funds will go toward higher education and toward a reserve to address any additional K-12 and postsecondary needs that arise.

Private School Choice Private School Choice

Governor Cooper is opposed to private school Lieutenant Governor Forest supports private school choice programs, and proposed eliminating North choice and the growing number of charter schools. Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship Program in his Lieutenant Governor Forest wants to expand private 2019 budget. Governor Cooper’s 2020-21 budget school choice to every family in North Carolina. He also takes $85 million from the Opportunity Schol- wants to allow all families in the state, regardless arship program. of their family income, to be eligible for the state’s Opportunity Scholarship Program.

Wraparound Services Wraparound Services

In his first term, Governor Cooper proposed addi- Lieutenant Governor Forest has not articulated a plan tional funding for updating school facilities and for increasing wraparound services in schools if elect- hiring more nurses, counselors and mental health ed Governor of North Carolina. professionals in schools. Governor Cooper’s 2020 budget proposal included an additional $40 million for wraparound services.

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DAN FOREST (R) ROY COOPER (D) - INCUMBENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA

School Police and Student Discipline School Police and Student Discipline

Governor Cooper proposed more funding in his budget Lieutenant Governor Forest believes that every school to hire school resource officers. Following the school in North Carolina must have an armed security officer, shooting in Parkland, Florida, Governor Cooper con- but his campaign did not specify whether he believes vened a school safety committee that recommended armed officers in schools should have more training. the presence of an armed officer in every school in the state. The report includes recommendations for increased training for school resource officers.

COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance Learning Infrastructure Learning Infrastructure

Governor Cooper has not articulated how he Lieutenant Governor Forest has not articulated how he plans to disburse or spend the state’s Coronavirus would spend or disburse the state’s Coronavirus Relief Relief Fund (CRF) federal allocation. In response Fund (CRF) appropriation if elected governor. Lieu- to the COVID-19 pandemic continuing throughout tenant Governor Forest filed a lawsuit against Gov- the summer, Governor Cooper announced that ernor Cooper in June 2020 regarding the Governor’s schools would reopen for both in-person and executive shutdown order for the state. Lieutenant online instruction. Governor Cooper created the Governor Forest criticized the Governor’s decision to Governor’s Education and Nutrition Working not fully reopen all schools in the state. Lieutenant Group in March 2020, which provided parents and Governor Forest also serves as the Chair of the state’s families with resources and information about eLearning Commission, which is a K-20 portal that distance learning during the prolonged school provides students with access to classes not offered closure. Governor Cooper also provided $50 by their home school or institution. It also offers an million in funding to school districts and charter opportunity for workers to stay current with the skills schools to help them meet remote learning- required to advance their career. related expenses.

In his 2020-21 budget, Governor Cooper proposed bonuses for teachers and principals and additional COVID-19 relief funds for K-12 schools and community colleges. Specifically, Governor Cooper plans to spend $132 million in COVID-19 relief to help North Carolina’s public schools purchase personal protective equipment, meals, instructional materials, digital devices, and internet connectivity capabilities.

School District Governance Models School District Governance Models

Governor Cooper has not articulated a position on Lieutenant Governor Forest believes in local control school district governance models. and believes that local school boards, educators and teachers are most aware of the unique challenges faced by their students.

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DAN FOREST (R) ROY COOPER (D) - INCUMBENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

In an effort to recruit and retain teachers, During Lieutenant Governor Forest’s time in office, Governor Cooper’s budget includes an average North Carolina’s teacher pay has increased to become 9.1 percent teacher pay raise over the next two one of the highest in the Southeast. Lieutenant years. Governor Cooper’s 2020-21 budget also Governor Forest’s office runs the state’sEducation includes $230 million in bonuses for teachers Endowment, which recruits, retains and trains the and principals and $50 million in bonuses for best and brightest teachers for North Carolina. This non-certified public school personnel. The budget program is being used to set up the state’s Teaching also includes funding to expand the NC Teaching Fellows Program. Fellows Program.

Additionally, an August 2017 executive order from Governor Cooper established the state’s Teacher Advisory Committee, which advises the Governor on a range of education issues directly related to supporting teachers. Governor Cooper was endorsed by the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) and the North Carolina - American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

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JIM JUSTICE (R) - INCUMBENT BEN SALANGO (D) - COUNTY COMMISSIONER

James C. “Jim” Justice is the 36th Governor of Ben Salango is the Democratic nominee for Governor West Virginia. Prior to being elected to lead West of West Virginia and a county commissioner for Virginia, Governor Justice was a businessman and Kanawha County, West Virginia’s largest county. Prior owner of Justice Farming Operations. Governor to being elected to the Kanawha County Commission, Justice is the largest farmer east of the Mississippi Commissioner Salango was a personal injury attorney. River and supports expanding business operations Commissioner Salango also owns 304 Tees, a West for various industries in West Virginia. He is the Virginia-based apparel company. Commissioner wealthiest person in West Virginia. Governor Salango was raised in a small town in West Virginia Justice attended Greenbrier Military Academy, and and attended West Virginia public schools and earned his undergraduate degree and Masters in colleges. He holds an undergraduate degree from Business Administration from Marshall University in West Virginia University and earned his law degree Huntington, West Virginia. from West Virginia University School of Law.

Main Education Priorities Main Education Priorities

During his first term, Governor Justice worked with If elected governor, Commissioner Salango will work a range of stakeholders to improve West Virginia’s to improve West Virginia’s public schools by engaging public schools and increase the pay of the state’s in teacher recruitment and retention efforts. Commis- education professionals. In his second term, Gov- sioner Salango will also fight for smaller class sizes, ernor Justice plans to focus on increasing student more mental health professionals and counselors achievement, paying teachers well, and empowering in schools, and trauma-informed training for West parents with options that are best for their children. Virginia’s teachers.

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

Governor Justice and the West Virginia Department of Commissioner Salango has not articulated a plan for Education oversee the Early Childhood Advisory Coun- early childhood education if elected Governor of West cil (ECAC) of West Virginia, which was established in Virginia. 2010 by then-Governor Joe Manchin. In 2017, Gover- nor Justice signed a bill raising the enrollment age for free Pre-K and kindergarten programs throughout the state. Governor Justice has not articulated a plan for early childhood education for a second term.

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JIM JUSTICE (R) - INCUMBENT BEN SALANGO (D) - COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Equitable K-12 Funding Equitable K-12 Funding

Governor Justice has not articulated a plan for Commissioner Salango has not articulated a plan for equitable K-12 funding if reelected. In June 2019, equitable K-12 funding in his campaign for Governor Governor Justice signed an omnibus education of West Virginia. He plans to invest in teachers, bill that created $177 million in new education smaller class sizes and social workers and mental spending, including financial support for small or health professionals in schools. struggling counties.

Use Of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Use Of Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (Geer) Funds (Geer) Funds

Of the $16.3 million in GEER funds the state will Commissioner Salango has called for more receive, Gov. Justice will allocate $2.5 million federal funds being used to provide students with toward COVID-19 tests for all college and university devices and WiFi for distance learning. Specifically, students in the state. Governor Justice also plans Commissioner Salango said he wants to use $80 to use GEER funds to prioritize funding for students million in GEER funds and other CARES Act funds to with the highest needs and vulnerable student provide all students in West Virginia with a computer population. and a hotspot, and use money to hire health professionals and administer temperature checks at all schools.

Private School Choice Private School Choice

Governor Justice does not support school choice Commissioner Salango has not articulated a position programs, and expressed distaste for education on private school choice in his campaign for Governor savings accounts (ESAs) in West Virginia during of West Virginia. the 2019 legislative session. Governor Justice is also hesitant reluctant to support the expansion of charter schools, but he did approved the creation of a handful of pilot charter schools in 2019.

Wraparound Services Wraparound Services

In June 2019, Governor Justice signed an omni- As Governor of West Virginia, Commissioner Salango bus education bill that appropriated $30.5 million would put a social worker in every school, expand for wraparound services and service providers in mental health services for Virginia’s schools, work to schools. Governor Justice is closely allied with eliminate student homelessness and expand services Communities in Schools, a national wraparound ser- for students experiencing homelessness, and support vice-providing nonprofit organization with a strong and expand summer programs for students. presence in West Virginia.

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JIM JUSTICE (R) - INCUMBENT BEN SALANGO (D) - COUNTY COMMISSIONER

School Police and Student Discipline School Police and Student Discipline

Governor Justice has not articulated a plan for Commissioner Salango has not articulated a position addressing the presence of police in schools if on school police and student discipline in his cam- reelected. paign for Governor of West Virginia.

COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance COVID-19, Coronavirus Relief Fund and Distance Learning Infrastructure Learning Infrastructure

Governor Justice has not articulated how he plans Commissioner Salango has not articulated how he to spend his state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) would spend the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund appropriation. Governor Justice created a broad- (CRF) allocation if elected governor. In order to curb band initiative for distance learning called Kids the state’s COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Salan- Connect. Through this $6 million initiative, Governor go plans to spend at least $117 million of the state’s Justice plans to establish more than 1,000 free relief dollars on K-12 schools and invest in hotspots wireless internet access points statewide. Governor and devices, among other items. Justice was also responsible for the development and rollout of West Virginia’s school reopening plan and set a September 8 start date for all schools to reopen.

School District Governance Models School District Governance Models

Governor Justice supports giving education deci- Commissioner Salango has not articulated a sion-making authority to local school boards. position on school district governance models in his campaign for Governor of West Virginia.

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

Multiple teacher strikes revolving around teacher Commissioner Salango has the endorsement of pay and health insurance occurred in West Virgin- the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - West ia during Governor Justice’s first term. Governor Virginia, one of the state’s largest teacher’s unions. Justice proposed a 5 percent teacher pay raise and Commissioner Salango will give teachers a raise to proposed putting $100 million into the state’s Public ensure that the state can recruit and retain teachers Employees Insurance Agency. While Governor and school personnel. Justice continues to view teacher pay as a key issue for his second term, he no longer has the support of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) - West Virginia. Governor Justice has the support of the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA) in his reelection campaign.

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The Democratic candidate responded to SEF’s candidate survey. The information provided below is sourced directly from her responses to SEF’s candidate survey. The Republican candidate did not respond to SEF’s candidate survey. All other information included below is sourced from the candidate’s website and public statements from the candidate.

CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Jen Mangrum is a lifelong educator and the Catherine Truitt is a longtime educator and the Democratic nominee for North Carolina State Republican nominee for North Carolina State Superintendent of Education. Dr. Mangrum is a Superintendent of Education. Ms. Truitt began her strong supporter of public schools and teachers. education career as a high school English teacher, Dr. Mangrum taught second and third grade before and she spent 10 years in middle and high school earning her PhD and becoming a professor at North classrooms before transitioning to the International Carolina State University and the University of North Center for Leadership in Education to work as a Carolina (UNC), Greensboro. At both universities, school turnaround coach. Ms. Truitt also served as a Dr. Mangrum led the creation of departments mentor for K-12 students prior to being appointed as that helped prepare teachers in North Carolina. Governor Pat McCrory’s Senior Advisor on Education Dr. Mangrum serves on the Board of Directors in 2015. Currently, Ms. Truitt serves as Chancellor of for the National Paideia Center, and she was part Western Governors University North Carolina (WGU- of the Save Our Schools and Red for Ed teacher NC). In this role, she focuses on increasing access to protests in Raleigh in 2018 and 2019. She holds higher education in North Carolina and meeting the an undergraduate degree in elementary education needs of employers throughout the state. Ms. Truitt from UNC-Wilmington, a Master’s degree from East received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the Carolina University, and a PhD in Curriculum and University of Maryland, and her Master of Education Instruction from UNC-Greensboro. from the University of Washington.

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Main Education Priorities Main Education Priorities

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. If elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mangrum listed her three main education priorities Ms. Truitt plans to: as the following: • Ensure the presence of a highly-qualified 1. Dr. Mangrum plans to create an Office of Equity teacher in every classroom in North Carolina; Affairs at the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI). According to Dr. Mangrum, equity in education • Provide all of North Carolina’s students with is foundational to building a stronger North Carolina. the skills to be college- and career-ready; She believes that students throughout the state • Grant local decision-makers the autonomy deserve schools that are committed to constructing and flexibility to help their students succeed; learning environments where all students have the opportunity to flourish equally. According to • Recommend early literacy strategies that are Dr. Mangrum’s survey response, this commitment rooted in research to teach students how means DPI must work with districts to eliminate to read before they begin the rest of their the predictability of student achievement based on education; social and cultural factors including race, ethnicity, • Expand partnerships and collaboration family economics, disability and initial proficiencies. between schools and colleges, businesses, Dr. Mangrum articulated that interrupting this hospitals, workforce boards and IT centers; predictive association requires a five-fold approach and led by the Office of Equity Affairs, including • Collaborate with experts to solve the chal- a. Removing barriers and expanding access to lenges of equitable funding for North Caroli- student learning opportunities that are challeng- na’s public schools. ing, creative and culturally sustaining.

b. Supporting teachers in expanding instructional approaches that increase their collective capacity to effectively teach North Carolina’s diverse student population.

c. Procuring curricula resources that support instruction and learning grounded in a robust knowledge core, high thinking demand and active use of knowledge and skills.

d. Recruiting, employing, supporting and retaining racially and linguistically diverse and culturally competent teachers that reflect the diversity of North Carolina.

e. Modeling and advancing courageous conversations about race, ethnicity, family economics, disability and initial proficiencies, and how these attributes shape teaching and learning experiences in schools and

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt has stated that North Carolina needs a 0-64 Mangrum stated that she will work with Governor approach to education to help fill the state’s skills Cooper to expand Pre-K in North Carolina so that gap, and she believes that childhood literacy is an im- every child has access. According to Dr. Mangrum, portant area for the Department of Public Instruction if the General Assembly fully funds the state’s public to focus on. She has not articulated how she plans to education system, as required by the Leandro Court improve access to early childhood education in North ruling, this is achievable. Dr. Mangrum indicated in Carolina. her survey response that the first thousand days of a child’s life are the most critical in terms of brain development, literacy and future success in school, and that she would like to create an infrastructure that provides literacy support for low-wealth parents and caretakers. According to Dr. Mangrum, North Carolina has always been a leader in innovation and problem solving, and the state can lead the nation in early childhood education and equity.

COVID-19 and Distance Learning Infrastructure COVID-19 and Distance Learning Infrastructure

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt has called for local control in the reopening Mangrum stated that while she will not have the of North Carolina’s schools and does not believe in ability to control policies and budgets as State a “one size fits all” approach for the state’s school Superintendent, she will have access to the systems. In a May 2020 interview, Ms. Truitt provided Governor, the General Assembly, and the NC State tips for online learning time management and Board of Education. Dr. Mangrum stated that she efficiency. Additionally, Ms. Truittbelieves that state will advocate for necessary funding to support leaders must work with internet providers to offer remote learning and hybrid models, as well as fund connectivity to all parts of North Carolina, and that high-speed broadband and devices required for the state must provide local school leaders with the student success. According to Dr. Mangrum, she flexibility they need to safely reopen schools. does not believe schools should open with a hybrid model in Fall 2020. She believes that if the state focused in Summer 2020 on how to do remote learning efficiently and provided the necessary funding, North Carolina could save lives and create a more equitable playing field for the state’s students.

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Culturally-Relevant and Anti-Racist Curriculum Culturally-Relevant and Anti-Racist Curriculum

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt’s campaign has not articulated how Mangrum stated that she will promote culturally- Ms. Truitt would advance culturally-relevant responsive and anti-racist curricula and pedagogy. and anti-racist curriculum if she is elected State According to Dr. Mangrum, part of the Department Superintendent. of Public Instruction’s core values is dedicated to culturally responsive pedagogy and revising curriculums that do not accurately depict North Carolina’s history, literature and cultural arts. Dr. Mangrum stated that she will engage educators in courageous conversations around issues of equity, with the commitment to continue those conversations in all of the state’s school districts.

State Superintendent Elections State Superintendent Elections

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt’s campaign has not articulated a position Mangrum stated that she believes North Carolina on holding state superintendent elections concurrent- should continue to hold state superintendent elections ly with presidential and other statewide elections. concurrently with state and national elections in November. According to Dr. Mangrum, it is imperative that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction is voted on by the citizens of North Carolina so that there is extensive conversation and knowledge about the direction of public education in North Carolina.

Private School Choice Private School Choice

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt believes that the parent is the best person Mangrum stated that she believes that vouchers to make education-related choices for their child, and (Opportunity Scholarships) should be deemed articulated that she is in favor of school choice but is unconstitutional. According to Dr. Mangrum, not necessarily pro-privatization. She was the Senior many of the private schools that accept vouchers Education Advisor for Governor Pat McCrory, who discriminate against students based on race, enacted the state’s Opportunity Scholarship voucher socioeconomic status, religion and sexual program. Ms. Truitt also articulated that education orientation. As stated in her survey response, Dr. reform and innovation should be prioritized following Mangrum also believes that school choice was the COVID-19 pandemic, but she did not specify what a backlash in response to Brown vs. the Board this would look like. of Education and a method of resegregating our schools. According to Dr. Mangrum, when schools are fully integrated, all students benefit. She plans to do everything in her power to promote equity in North Carolina’s schools.

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Virtual and For-Profit Charter Schools Virtual and For-Profit Charter Schools

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Ms. Truitt has not articulated a position on virtual Dr. Mangrum stated that she does not support and for-profit charter schools, but she is currently the virtual or for-profit charter schools, but that they chancellor of a non-profit online university. exist in North Carolina. In her response to SEF’s survey, Dr. Mangrum also articulated that if she is elected Superintendent, her department will be responsible for supporting these schools, and that she will do her best to support the educators and students in these schools while speaking publicly against the “inequitable and sometimes corrupt” policies that govern them.

Equitable K-12 Funding Equitable K-12 Funding

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt believes that rural and low-wealth schools Mangrum stated that she will have a platform in North Carolina need more funding to better serve to communicate the disparities in North students and hire more school resource officers, so- Carolina and speak out boldly about the funding cial workers, nurses and psychologists. She plans to recommendations in the Leandro WestEd report. collaborate with experts to solve the state’s challeng- She also stated that she will serve as a resource for es around equitable funding for public schools, as the General Assembly about how to help all students laid out in the Leandro report. Ms. Truitt believes that flourish, especially those who have been historically education funding in North Carolina is currently inad- marginalized. Dr. Mangrum also stated that she equate, but also does not believe that more money will use the resources, research and expertise will solve all issues in education. available to her, such as the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED), to make a case for equitable funding and opportunities in North Carolina.

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies Zero-Tolerance Discipline Policies

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Man- In her role as a school turnaround coach, Ms. Truitt grum stated that schools in North Carolina con- coached school principals to try new approaches sistently suspend students of color at “alarming” to student discipline. In her campaign for State rates when compared to white students. In making Superintendent, she has not articulated a position on a case against zero-tolerance discipline policies, zero-tolerance discipline policies. she cited research showing that when controlled for race, children of color are 85% more likely to receive in-school-suspension than their white counterparts and that students who continue to miss instructional time for these reasons often get caught in the juve- nile justice system. Dr. Mangrum believes that North Carolina must make “quick and sharp” changes to its disciplinary system and begin teaching conflict resolution and peace-making. She also believes that North Carolina must continually train its educators in anti-racism and the reduction of implicit bias. Dr. Mangrum marched with students from the Wake County Black Student Coalition, who, according to Dr. Mangrum, pointed out that schools with School Resource Officers are more likely to refer students to law enforcement for discipline instead of a counselor. Dr. Mangrum would provide resources to districts that would like to have professional development in restor- ative justice practices and in how to engage communities in courageous conversations about race.

Police in Schools Police in Schools

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. In a January 2020 tweet, Ms. Truitt gave a “special Mangrum stated that she believes schools should be shout-out” to school resource officers for keeping spaces that “capture the creativity and curiosity of North Carolina’s schools safe. She supports fully students and where students flourish academically, funding school resource officers in schools. physically, emotionally, socially and personally.” Dr. Mangrum believes that having a full-time police officer on school premises does not promote this vision. Per her survey response, Dr. Mangrum believes that schools should instead increase the number of counselors, social workers, nurses and psychologists. In elementary schools specifically, Dr. Mangrum believes that more teaching assistants, arts education and physical fitness will help promote her vision for disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline.

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CATHERINE TRUITT (R) - CHANCELLOR OF JEN MANGRUM (D) WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

Wraparound Services Wraparound Services

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt supports additional funding for school psy- Mangrum stated she would like to see a movement chologists, social workers and support personnel. toward a community school model. According to Dr. Mangrum, community schools connect the academic school with health clinics (sometimes on campus) and after school enrichment opportunities that benefit students and their families. According to her survey responses, Dr. Mangrum believes that schools should be the “hub of communities” and be a “positive influence in the lives of citizens.”

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Teacher Recruitment and Retention

In her response to SEF’s candidate survey, Dr. Ms. Truitt was Senior Education Advisor to Governor Mangrum stated that she applauds Governor Pat McCrory when the average teacher pay in North Cooper and his DRIVE initiative to recruit and Carolina rose to over $50,000. She plans to make retain more teachers of color. According to Dr. certain that each classroom in the state has a high- Mangrum survey response, half of North Carolina’s ly-qualified teacher. To improve teacher morale, Ms. K-12 students are students of color, while only 20 Truitt plans to revise the A-F school grading system. percent of teachers in the state are Black or Brown. Dr. Mangrum believes that North Carolina must pay teachers a reasonable wage and reinstate the benefits educators have lost over the past 10 years, such as due process. According to her survey response, Dr. Mangrum also believes that North Carolina must fully reinstate and expand the NC Teaching Fellows program and include each of the state’s HBCUs. According to her survey response, as Superintendent, Dr. Mangrum will create an infrastructure to support a Teacher Cadet program to attract high school students of color to the teaching profession. She also plans to create an advisory board of Black educators to recommend strategies for recruitment and retention of Black educators. Finally, Dr. Mangrum plans to hire a cabinet and staff at the Department of Public Instruction that represents North Carolina’s diverse population and that can advise her from multiple perspectives.

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