Vicki Byrd

Neutral

Schools should respond to an unwanted or crisis pregnancy with compassion, confidentiality, and a commitment to the student’s well-being. Their role is to connect the student with qualified counselors, community resources, and factual information while ensuring she feels safe and supported at school. Whenever appropriate and safe, schools should work in partnership with the student’s family, honoring both privacy laws and the importance of family involvement. Above all, the school’s responsibility is to help the student stay engaged in her education and navigate a difficult moment without judgment.

Public schools should respect the diverse beliefs of all families by neither promoting nor discouraging any particular religion, while still allowing students to express their personal faith appropriately. This protects both religious liberty and equal access to education, ensuring that no child feels excluded or singled out because of their beliefs. It also keeps the focus on providing a strong, inclusive academic environment where all students can thrive.

Disagree

I understand the concern about fairness, and I agree that taxpayers deserve responsible stewardship of their dollars. At the same time, the cost of higher education has risen far faster than wages, leaving many students—especially first-generation and low-income families—burdened by debt that limits their ability to contribute fully to our economy and communities. The real long-term solution is ensuring higher education is affordable on the front end to not burden with future exorbitant debt.

I believe government has a responsibility to fully and fairly fund public education from Pre-K through higher-ed so every child/graduate—regardless of zip code, income, language, or disability—has access to a high-quality education. Public schools carry mandates for safety, special education, transportation, and student well-being, and those responsibilities must be matched with adequate resources.

Disagree

Our focus at the community level should remain on keeping families safe, supporting our students, and ensuring that all residents feel secure engaging with local institutions.

Disagree

I do not believe that abortion or gender-affirming care providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be delivering instruction or services in our public schools. Schools have a responsibility to maintain trust with families and to ensure that sensitive health topics are handled in a way that reflects community values and respects parental rights. Keeping boundaries clear helps maintain a learning environment that is focused on safety, transparency, and partnership with families.

Agree

I agree that consistent consequences for inappropriate behavior are essential to maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. Students thrive when expectations are clear, fair, and applied consistently across the campus. At the same time, consequences should be paired with support that helps students learn from mistakes and stay connected to their education. A balanced approach—firm, fair, and focused on growth—creates the stability teachers need to teach and students need to succeed.

Agree

I agree that students should receive a thorough education in America’s founding documents and the principles that shaped our democracy. Understanding the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and our nation’s history helps students become informed, engaged citizens. Teaching these materials with accuracy and context naturally fosters an appreciation for the freedoms and responsibilities we share as Americans.

Strongly Disagree

I strongly disagree with eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. While states and communities should absolutely have a strong voice in how their schools operate, the federal government plays an essential role in ensuring civil rights protections, supporting students with disabilities, and providing consistent funding for high-need learners. Removing that structure would create uneven standards and widen gaps between districts with different resources. A balanced approach—local control.

I do support and I agree with all segments of the question. I appreciate the holistic approach.

Disagree

I disagree that it is discriminatory for a school district to require students to be enrolled in public school in order to participate in U.I.L. competition. U.I.L. events are built on shared academic standards, accountability measures, and eligibility rules that ensure fair and consistent competition for all students. When a student opts for instruction outside the public school system, the district cannot verify those academic requirements in the same way.

Information Technology, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science American History, Art & Music, Civics, Foreign Language, Physical Fitness, Social Emotional Learning, Vocational Learning

Agree

What are the specific American traditions? Hot Dogs, Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet?

Agree

I agree that school choice can create healthy competition, and that competition can encourage public schools to strengthen their programs and better meet student needs. Families deserve the ability to choose the learning environment that works best for their children. At the same time, public schools must be fully and fairly funded so they can compete on a level playing field and continue serving every child who walks through their doors.

Agree

I agree that faculty who are licensed to carry and who receive rigorous, ongoing training can serve as an additional layer of protection in the event of an active-shooter situation. Any such program must include strict vetting, clear protocols, and close coordination with law enforcement to ensure safety and accountability. This approach is not about arming all teachers, but about allowing a small number of highly trained volunteers to help protect students in a crisis.

NO

No

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Democratic

Moderate

I would describe myself as a moderate. I approach issues on their merits and believe effective leadership requires balancing individual rights, community needs, and practical solutions. My focus is on what works for families, students, and the broader community rather than adhering to ideological extremes.

Disagree

I disagree that biological males should be allowed to participate in women’s sports or occupy spaces designated for biological women, such as bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women’s shelters, or prisons. Protecting the safety, privacy, and fairness of women and girls is essential, especially in competitive athletics and intimate facilities. Clear boundaries help ensure that all students feel secure and respected.

N/A

Agree

I agree that government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child’s health and educational well-being. Parents know their children best, and strong schools are built on strong partnerships with families. When parents are informed, respected, and engaged, students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Public policy should reinforce this partnership by ensuring transparency, communication.

Strongly Agree

I support Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Our schools should model this principle by treating every student with fairness, dignity, and high expectations. Focusing on character, effort, and personal responsibility helps create learning environments where all students can thrive. This approach strengthens both our classrooms and our communities.

Disagree

I disagree with the idea that marriage should be defined solely as a God-ordained union between one man and one woman, or that government lacks the authority to recognize other lawful unions. While I respect the religious beliefs many families hold, civil marriage is a legal institution that must apply fairly to all citizens. Government has a responsibility to uphold equal protection under the law and to recognize the diverse families that make up our communities.

Strongly Agree

Strongly Agree

Disagree