[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H2800-H2801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                          PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, this week, our Nation 
celebrates Public Schools Week. It is a time when we acknowledge the 
diversity and success of our public schools and the sound education 
that they provide. Strengthening America's public schools is the best 
way to ensure our children's future success and our country's 
prosperity.
  Ninety percent of American children attend public schools. This week, 
supporters across the country will share stories of the many schools, 
students, and professionals who make public schools such vital 
components of our communities. This includes parents who are working 
hard to improve educational outcomes for children. Advocates nationwide 
will share scores of stories about public school students and their 
successes.
  Mr. Speaker, public school teachers truly make a difference in the 
lives of our students. They prepare them for bright and successful 
futures. It is

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their dedication to our students that builds strong public schools and, 
therefore, strong communities.
  As a senior member of the Education and Labor Committee and a product 
of public schools, I know the incredible role our schools play in 
communities across the Nation.
  Public schools today have much good news to share, from increasing 
graduation rates and reduced dropout rates, to improved ratings given 
by communities on school performance.
  Public schools welcome every child, regardless of ability, race, 
wealth, language, country of origin, or needs. By strengthening the 
public school system, we strengthen the democracy of our country.
  Supporting public schools today will build a stronger workforce for 
tomorrow. The future of our Nation to produce in the manufacturing 
industry, the farm, and the information age will be based on the 
investment we make today in supporting public schools. Schools today 
are integrating the new ideas that are being explored by businesses and 
industry.
  Strong public schools are vital to our national security. Our 
military's success is dependent on members who can apply their 
knowledge and skills to navigate the increasingly complex tools that 
keep our country safe.
  In many communities, the school district is the largest employer. 
Teachers, bus drivers, administrators, cafeteria workers, coaches, and 
facilities management all depend on the school district, and all these 
jobs contribute to the fabric of a community. Communities are stronger 
and schools are better when we all work together to support public 
education.
  Public schools also make sure kids receive at least one nutritious 
meal a day. More than 30 million school lunches are served each day, 
including 20 million free and 2 million reduced priced lunches. For 
some students, the only meal that they receive will be the one that 
they get at school.
  Mr. Speaker, a child's opportunity for success should not be left to 
chance. Every child needs a quality, well-equipped school right in 
their neighborhood, where they can learn, be inspired, and thrive.
  Public education has always been the great equalizer in the United 
States. I am grateful for the contribution of our public schools, and I 
know that, together, we will continue to work to strengthen them for 
our most precious resource: our children.

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