We need to support our teachers and their students, plain and simple.  The cost of living in Springfield is approaching that of bigger cities like Kansas City and St. Louis, however teacher's incomes have not adjusted appropriately.

 As a proud alumnus of Springfield Public Schools (R-12) Eric appreciates the struggle that Springfield and the surrounding Schools have in keeping quality Educators. Eric will fight to make sure that we retain the talented educators we need.

 Having attended both Springfield Public Schools and Missouri State University, Eric has experienced first-hand the value of public education. Across the country children in public schools are dropping out at alarming rates except in Springfield. This is why it is important that control be left in the hands of the district and the classrooms so districts like ours locally can continue to be successful.

Eric also appreciates parents who make the difficult and sometimes costly decisions for private schools or home school. Eric will oppose any efforts to infringe on parents' rights to choose what education is best for their children.