Proclaiming February 23 Through February 27, 2026, to Be "Public Schools Week" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Public education is the foundation of a st-century democracy; and

WHEREAS, Our nation's public schools are where students come to be educated as citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Each public school prepares our Nation's young people to contribute to the society, economy, and citizenry of the country; and

WHEREAS, In 2025, roughly 50 million American children attended public schools; and

WHEREAS, Local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for strengthening the nation's public schools and empowering local education leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education stakeholders and learning communities; and

WHEREAS, Local, State and Federal lawmakers should support such necessities as counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health programs that are critical to help students engage in learning; and

WHEREAS, Public schools should provide an environment where all students can succeed, beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who they are or where they live; and

WHEREAS, Efforts should be supported to advance equity and excellence in public education and to implement continuous improvement and evidence-based practices; and

WHEREAS, Every child has the right to an education that helps them reach their full potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience; and

WHEREAS, Stable, equitable, and adequate funding for great public schools for every student in America is necessary to ensure that students have inviting classrooms and school libraries with up-to-date resources as well as well-prepared and supported educators; and

WHEREAS, Our nation needs to support the educators, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals who provide a well-rounded and complete curriculum and create joy in learning; and

WHEREAS, The Nation's school buildings should have class sizes small enough to allow students to receive one-on-one attention and to access support services such as health care, nutrition, and after-school programs when needed; and

WHEREAS, Students, teachers, and professionals make the Nation's schools vital components of the community; and

WHEREAS, Parents and communities are working hard to improve educational outcomes for children across the country; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims February 23 through February 27, 2026, to be "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Commissioner Angelica M. Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, State of Rhode Island.