Jason Smith is a seventh-generation Missourian, a citizen-legislator, and a champion for the rights and values of rural Missourians.
Jason was raised in Salem, Missouri, where he still owns the same family farm that was started by his great grandfather. He attended Salem High School, where he was an active member of FFA. At the University of Missouri-Columbia, Jason earned degrees in Agricultural Economics and Business Administration. After receiving degrees from both programs in three years, he attended law school at Oklahoma City University before returning home to serve his community. Back home in Missouri Jason began running the family farm and practicing law. It was during this time that he recognized the harm that the overbearing government was inflicting on Missourians and our economy. This inspired Jason to run for office himself so he could begin to undo the damage.
I believe that local education decisions should stay local. Parents and local school boards are best informed about their schools and are therefore best equipped to create school systems that they are proud of. I believe in relieving local school systems of federal mandates that burden educators with a one-size-fits-all approach to education. The federal government should not try to predict the problems faced by schools in Southeast Missouri, but should give teachers and local school officials the tools to better their schools.