Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed (D-RI) led a bipartisan group of 22 Senators in celebrating the critical role of public school teachers, administrators, parents, and students by designating February 24 through February 28 as “Public Schools Week.” Their resolution passed the Senate unanimously.
“This week, we celebrate the more than 100,000 public schools across the country that play an essential role in nurturing our nation’s youth, inspiring students, and equipping them with the tools needed to succeed as adults,” said Senator Collins. “I’ve had the privilege of visiting more than 200 schools in Maine throughout my Senate service, and I have seen the abiding commitment shared by educators and staff to provide students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
“Public schools are the foundation of our democracy, where kids are put on a path towards reaching their full potential and are prepared to shape America’s future. They are unifying places of opportunity where kids with different backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities come together for the common purpose of learning and getting a healthy start. Every child deserves a great education. That means we must invest in public schools,” said Senator Reed.
The Senators’ resolution encourages state, local, and federal lawmakers to prioritize efforts to strengthen public education and bolster services that provide critical support for students, including counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health resources. The resolution also urges Congress to support efforts to advance equal opportunities for students of all backgrounds, so that every child can receive a high-quality education, no matter who they are or where they live.
###