A resolution designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week".

Bill Number

S.Res. 96

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1359; text: CR S1358)

Last Updated

2025-07-01T11:06:18Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 96) aims to recognize the vital role of public schools in American democracy, society, and economy by designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week." It highlights the contributions of public education to fostering national values, preparing students for citizenship, and promoting equal opportunity.

Key Provisions

• Designation: The Senate officially designates the specified week as "Public Schools Week" to honor public education.
• Supporting Rationale (Whereas Clauses):
• Public schools educate 87% of U.S. children and instill shared national values.
• They prepare students to contribute to society, the economy, and civic life.
• Lawmakers at federal, state, and local levels should prioritize funding and support for public schools, empower school leaders (like superintendents and principals) to work with educators and parents, and back essential services such as counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health support.
• Public schools should create inclusive, safe environments that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and relationship-building, ensuring all students—regardless of background or location—have opportunities to succeed from early childhood.
• Congress should promote equal opportunity, evidence-based practices (methods proven effective through research), and ongoing improvements in public education.
• Every child deserves an education that maximizes their potential in a high-quality school setting.
• Federal funding complements state and local resources to provide well-equipped classrooms, trained educators, and student support like nutrition and afterschool programs.
• Educators (teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals) should deliver a comprehensive education that sparks joy in learning.
• School leaders, educators, and parents are essential to community vitality and improving student outcomes nationwide.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of Senate support rather than enacting new policies or regulations.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may encourage federal agencies like the Department of Education to highlight public school initiatives during the designated week, but it imposes no requirements.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness about the importance of public education, potentially fostering greater community involvement, support for schools, and advocacy for funding. Students, parents, and educators may feel recognized for their efforts.
• On International Relations: None, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. public education.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Public School Students and Families: Beneficiaries of the recognition, emphasizing equitable access to quality education.
• Educators and School Leaders: Teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, and superintendents, who are praised for their role in creating engaging learning environments.
• Lawmakers and Policymakers: Federal, state, and local officials urged to prioritize public school support and funding.
• Communities: Local stakeholders, including parents and organizations, involved in school partnerships and improvements.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no binding effect and does not require House approval or presidential signature. It cannot enforce policies or allocate funds.
• Constitutional: Aligns with the U.S. Constitution's allocation of education primarily to states (under the 10th Amendment, which reserves non-delegated powers to states), while expressing federal interest in supporting public education without overstepping.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of senators from both parties), signaling congressional endorsement of public schools amid ongoing debates on education funding and equity. It could influence future legislative priorities, such as increasing federal education budgets, but remains symbolic.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

Cosponsors (21)

Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Sanders, Bernard [I-VT], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1359; text: CR S1358)
• 2025-02-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.
• 2025-02-25: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Designating the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as Public Schools Week. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (3 pages)