[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S805-S806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 112--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27 THROUGH 
               MARCH 3, 2023, AS ``PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK''

  Mr. TESTER (for himself and Ms. Collins) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 112

       Whereas public education is a significant institution in a 
     21st-century democracy;
       Whereas public schools in the United States educate 
     students about the values and beliefs that hold the 
     individuals of the United States together as a nation;
       Whereas public schools prepare young individuals of the 
     United States to contribute to the society, economy, and 
     citizenry of the country;
       Whereas 90 percent of children in the United States attend 
     public schools;
       Whereas Federal, State, and local lawmakers should--

[[Page S806]]

       (1) prioritize support for strengthening the public schools 
     of the United States;
       (2) empower superintendents, principals, and other school 
     leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts and 
     schools in partnership with educators, parents, and other 
     local education stakeholders; and
       (3) support services and programs that are critical to 
     helping students engage in learning, including counseling, 
     extracurricular activities, and mental health support;
       Whereas public schools should foster inclusive, safe, and 
     high-quality environments in which children can learn to 
     think critically, problem solve, and build relationships;
       Whereas public schools should provide environments in which 
     all students have the opportunity to succeed beginning in 
     their earliest years, regardless of who a student is or where 
     a student lives;
       Whereas Congress should support--
       (1) efforts to advance equal opportunity and excellence in 
     public education;
       (2) efforts to implement evidence-based practices in public 
     education; and
       (3) continuous improvements to public education;
       Whereas every child should--
       (1) receive an education that helps the child reach the 
     full potential of the child; and
       (2) attend a school that offers a high-quality educational 
     experience;
       Whereas Federal funding, in addition to State and local 
     funds, supports the access of students to inviting 
     classrooms, well-prepared educators, and services to support 
     healthy students, including nutrition and afterschool 
     programs;
       Whereas teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals should 
     provide students with a well-rounded education and strive to 
     create joy in learning;
       Whereas superintendents, principals, other school leaders, 
     teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents make public schools 
     vital components of communities and are working hard to 
     improve educational outcomes for children across the country; 
     and
       Whereas the week of February 27 through March 3, 2023, is 
     an appropriate period to designate as ``Public Schools 
     Week'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates the week of February 
     27 through March 3, 2023, as ``Public Schools Week''.

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