Gov. Phil Bryant laid out his future plans for Mississippi Tuesday during his annual State of the State address.

From our perspective, the future looks slightly shaky if Bryant gets his way.

Among the most troubling things Bryant referenced was his stance on public education.

He continued support for expanding the number of charter schools in the state.

The state’s charter schools are still relative infants, and we do not yet know what their long-term implications could be. Could charter schools rise up, take the money from the official public school districts in troubled areas of the state and starve those districts of the resources used to operate?

Unlikely, but with a few tweaks and changes to the law, it’s possible.

Bryant also advocated for additional “school choice,” meaning students be allowed to attend schools of their choice, not just the school district in which they live.

On the surface this sounds good.

“Why should only the affluent enjoy the benefits of these fine schools?” Bryant asked during his Tuesday speech.

We’re glad the governor is interested in education, but we regret that he’s asking the wrong question.

What he should be asking is: How can we make all of Mississippi’s public schools “fine” not just shuttle those with means to attend their preferred school.

When public education begins to allow widespread student migration, the system will break down. We need a public education system that is fair to all and excellent from Tennessee to the Coast and from Natchez to Meridian and all points in between.

Until we stop looking for ways to “game” the system — charter schools, school choice, etc. — and start focusing on pulling up the bootstraps of all schools, Mississippi will continue to struggle educationally.