HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 23 THROUGH FEBRUARY 27, 2026, TO BE "PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H7831

2026 -- H 7831
========
LC003505
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 23 THROUGH FEBRUARY 27, 2026, TO BE "PUBLIC
SCHOOLS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Serpa, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy,
McNamara, Ajello, Shallcross Smith, Phillips, and Bennett

Date Introduced:
February 26, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
1
WHEREAS, Public education is the foundation of a 21st-century democracy; and
2
WHEREAS, Our nation's public schools are where students come to be educated as
3
citizens of the United States; and
4
WHEREAS, Each public school prepares our Nation's young people to contribute to the
5
society, economy, and citizenry of the country; and
6
WHEREAS, In 2025, roughly 50 million American children attended public schools; and
7
WHEREAS, Local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for
8
strengthening the nation's public schools and empowering local education leaders to implement,
9
manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education
10
stakeholders and learning communities; and
11
WHEREAS, Local, State and Federal lawmakers should support such necessities as
12
counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health programs that are critical to help students
13
engage in learning; and
14
WHEREAS, Public schools should provide an environment where all students can
15
succeed, beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who they are or where they live; and
16
WHEREAS, Efforts should be supported to advance equity and excellence in public
17
education and to implement continuous improvement and evidence-based practices; and
18
WHEREAS, Every child has the right to an education that helps them reach their full
19
potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience; and

1
WHEREAS, Stable, equitable, and adequate funding for great public schools for every
2
student in America is necessary to ensure that students have inviting classrooms and school
3
libraries with up-to-date resources as well as well-prepared and supported educators; and
4
WHEREAS, Our nation needs to support the educators, including teachers,
5
paraprofessionals, and principals who provide a well-rounded and complete curriculum and create
6
joy in learning; and
7
WHEREAS, The Nation's school buildings should have class sizes small enough to allow
8
students to receive one-on-one attention and to access support services such as health care,
9
nutrition, and after-school programs when needed; and
10
WHEREAS, Students, teachers, and professionals make the Nation's schools vital
11
components of the community; and
12
WHEREAS, Parents and communities are working hard to improve educational
13
outcomes for children across the country; now, therefore be it
14
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
15
proclaims February 23 through February 27, 2026, to be "Public Schools Week" in Rhode Island;
16
and be it further
17
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
18
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Commissioner Angelica M. Infante-Green,
19
Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, State of Rhode Island.
========
LC003505
========

LC003505 - Page 2 of 2