Sponsors (98)
Last progress February 24, 2025 (10 months ago)
Introduced on February 24, 2025 by Mark Pocan
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Designates and supports a "Public Schools Week," noting the week of February 24–28, 2025 as an appropriate time for the observance, and affirms the importance of strong public schools. The text highlights supports and conditions for high-quality schools — including counseling, extracurricular activities, student mental health services, equity, stable funding, smaller class sizes, and well‑prepared educators — but does not create new funding, programs, or legal requirements. The resolution is symbolic: it expresses the House's support for the designation and national attention to public-school needs. It does not authorize spending, change laws, or impose mandates on states or local school systems.
Public education is the foundation of a 21st-century democracy.
The Nation’s public schools are where students come to be educated as citizens of the United States.
Each public school prepares the Nation’s young people to contribute to the society, economy, and citizenry of the country.
According to 2021 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, an estimated 90 percent of children in the United States attend public schools.
Local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for strengthening the Nation’s public schools and empower local education leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education stakeholders and learning communities.
Who is affected and how: Primarily symbolic—intended to raise awareness rather than change policy. Directly affected groups include K–12 public schools, students (children under 18), educators, families, and school support staff (counselors and mental‑health personnel). The resolution may encourage local districts, schools, and community groups to hold events, promote student supports, or press for the listed priorities. It does not provide funding or create federal requirements, so it does not alter state or district budgets, staffing mandates, or legal responsibilities. Any real-world effects depend on voluntary actions by schools, advocacy groups, and local policymakers, such as organizing activities during the named week or using the resolution to support local funding and program requests.