Pocan, Thompson, Bonamici, Fitzpatrick Introduce Resolution to Honor Public Schools Week 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) introduced the Annual Bipartisan Public Schools Week Resolution along with Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and 83 of their colleagues. This year Public Schools Week is February 26 to March 1, and it serves as a time to celebrate the achievements of our public schools and honor the significant contributions and accomplishments of students, parents, educators, and education advocates.

“As a public school graduate from kindergarten through college, I’m proud to recognize the 9 out of every 10 students in America that attend a public school,” Rep. Mark Pocan said. “I am committed to strengthening our public schools so that every child receives a high-quality education experience. Communities are stronger and schools are better when we all work together to support public education. Our shared future and our success depend on the support we give to public education today.”

“As a senior member of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, former school board member, and parent of public school graduates, I remain committed to the role schools play in helping build strong communities,” Rep. Thompson said. “Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, so they can grow and achieve their potential. We must work to strengthen our public school system so these learning environments can better serve America’s future generations.”

“A quality system of public education system is critical to students, families, the economy, and democracy,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “I have years of experience as an involved public school parent and volunteer, and I remain thankful for the dedicated work of teachers and school staff who show up every day to support students and families. I am pleased to co-lead the bipartisan Public Schools Week Resolution, and I will continue to advocate for the policies and resources schools need to provide every student with the opportunity for success.”

“Public schools are the backbone of the American education system,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Access to a high-quality education is a fundamental right in this country. Thank you to our teachers, parents, and education staff across the country, including in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, who work tirelessly to support our future leaders.”

During Public Schools Week, national education groups representing teachers, principals, superintendents, parents, civil rights and disability advocates, and religious organizations highlight the importance of our public schools and the positive difference they make in shaping the future of our country. Public schools are open to every child – regardless of ability, wealth, country of origin, or needs, and by supporting public school systems we strengthen our country.

Resolution Cosponsors Include (86): Glenn “GT” Thompson*, Bonamici*, Fitzpatrick*, Adams, Allred, Amo, Beatty, Bishop, Bowman, Boyle, Brown, Brownley, Budzinski, Bush, Carson, Carter, Cleaver, Cohen, Costa, Craig, Crow, Danny Davis, Dean, DeGette, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Dingell, Espaillat, Foster, Frankel, Gallego, Garamendi, Chuy Garcia, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gottheimer, Grijalva, Himes, Holmes Norton, Hoyle, Jackson Lee, Kaptur, Khanna, Kildee, Kilmer, Andy Kim, Larson, Barbara Lee, Susie Lee, Leger Fernandez, Magaziner, McClellan, McCollum, McGovern, Meng, Max Miller, Moore, Mullin, Panetta, Payne, Jr., Pingree, Porter, Pressley, Raskin, Sablan, Salinas, Sanchez, Scanlon, Schakowsky, Schiff, Schneider, David Scott, Sewell, Sherman, Slotkin, Swalwell, Bennie Thompson, Mike Thompson, Titus, Tlaib, Tokuda, Ritchie Torres, Trahan, Velazquez, Nikema Williams, Frederica Wilson

Organizations Supporting Public Schools Week Include: The School Superintendents Association (AASA), American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American School Counselors Association, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, Center for American Progress (CAP), Coalition for Community Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Healthy Schools Campaign, Learning Disabilities Association of America, Learning Forward, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Council of Teachers of English, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Education Association (NEA), National Education Association Retirees Association, National Military Families Association, National Rural Education Association, National School Boards Association, National School Public Relations Association, National PTA, Network for Public Education, School Social Work Association of America, The Arc, Public Funds Public Schools, Education Law Center