HRES 159119th CongressIn Committee

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

Introduced: Feb 24, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 159 is a non-binding House resolution introduced in the 119th Congress that expresses support for designating February 24–28, 2025 as "Public Schools Week." The resolution frames public education as foundational to democracy, citizenship, and national well-being. It highlights the role of public schools in educating students, emphasizes the need for supports such as counseling and mental health services, and calls for equity, safe environments, adequate funding, and access to resources. Importantly, the resolution is an expression of support and does not authorize funding or create new programs; it does not impose requirements on schools or governments. It was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Key Points

1The bill designates February 24–28, 2025 as “Public Schools Week” in the sense of a formal designation by the House, expressing support for the week-long recognition.
2It emphasizes that public education underpins a 21st-century democracy and prepares students to contribute to society, the economy, and citizenship.
3It cites 2021 data from the National Center for Education Statistics noting that about 90 percent of U.S. children attend public schools, underscoring the scale of public education.
4It calls on lawmakers at local, state, and federal levels to strengthen public schools by empowering local leaders and stakeholders, and to provide supports such as counseling, mental health services, and extracurricular activities.
5It advocates for ongoing efforts toward equity and excellence in education, safe and high-quality public schools, adequate and predictable funding, smaller class sizes, and access to health care, nutrition, and after-school programs. It also highlights the roles of teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals and the importance of community involvement.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Students, families, and educators within the Nation’s public schools; local school districts and education professionals.Secondary group/area affected: State and local governments, school boards, education advocates, and policymakers who influence education policy and funding.Additional impacts: Increases public attention to the value of public schools and may encourage schools and communities to commemorate or participate in related events during Public Schools Week. As a non-binding resolution, it does not authorize funding or mandate actions by schools or governments.

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