Expressing support for the designation of the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week".

Bill Number

H.Res. 159

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-03-04T09:06:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 159) aims to express congressional support for designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week." It underscores the vital role of public education in fostering democracy, citizenship, and societal contributions, while advocating for stronger support and resources for public schools.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Public Schools' Importance: The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses highlighting key aspects of public education, such as:
• Public schools as the foundation of democracy and places where students learn to be U.S. citizens.
• Preparation of young people for society, the economy, and civic participation.
• Statistical support: About 90% of U.S. children attend public schools (based on 2021 data from the National Center for Education Statistics).
• Emphasis on inclusive, safe, high-quality environments that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and relationships.
• Advocacy for equity, excellence, continuous improvement, and evidence-based practices.
• Rights of every child to a high-quality education reaching their full potential, regardless of background or location.
• Calls for Support and Resources: Urges local, state, and federal lawmakers to prioritize:
• Strengthening public schools through partnerships with educators, parents, and communities.
• Providing essentials like counseling, extracurricular activities, mental health supports, health care, nutrition, and after-school programs.
• Ensuring stable, equitable, and adequate funding for updated resources, well-supported educators (including teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals), small class sizes, and inviting classrooms.
• Community Role: Acknowledges students, teachers, professionals, parents, and communities as essential to public schools' success and improvement efforts.
• Designation: Formally resolves that the House of Representatives supports "Public Schools Week" for the specified dates.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may encourage federal, state, and local education agencies (e.g., the Department of Education) to highlight public school achievements during the designated week, potentially influencing future funding discussions.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness about the value of public schools, which could foster community engagement, support for local education initiatives, and advocacy for better resources among parents, students, and educators. No direct effects on international relations.
• Broader Effects: Symbolic gesture that promotes national dialogue on education equity and funding, possibly inspiring events or campaigns during the week to celebrate public schools.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Educators and School Staff: Teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, and support personnel who deliver curricula and create learning environments.
• Students and Families: The approximately 90% of U.S. children in public schools, plus parents and communities working to improve educational outcomes.
• Lawmakers and Policymakers: Local, state, and federal officials encouraged to prioritize public school funding and support.
• Education Communities: School districts, learning stakeholders, and organizations focused on equity, mental health, and extracurricular programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution without the force of law. It aligns with the U.S. Constitution's general framework for education (primarily a state responsibility under the 10th Amendment, with federal involvement via funding and policy).
• Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of House members from both parties) for public education, signaling a congressional consensus on its importance. It could influence political debates on education funding and policy, especially amid ongoing discussions about school resources and equity, but remains a non-partisan, awareness-raising measure rather than a divisive policy shift.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]

Cosponsors (98)

Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38] and 48 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-24: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-02-24: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week". — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (3 pages)