Legislation Document

WHEREAS, public education is the foundation of a 21st-century democracy; and

WHEREAS, the Nation’s public schools are where students come to be educated as citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 crisis has presented unprecedented challenges across the State of Delaware and the nation; and

WHEREAS, educators, administrators, and support staff have demonstrated resiliency, responded with care and compassion, and persevered through the continued uncertainty; and

WHEREAS, during the public health emergency, educators, administrators, and support staff quickly responded by developing innovative lesson plans through remote, hybrid, and classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, during this time, educators, administrators, and support staff have also spent countless hours collaborating with parents to ensure that every student remains engaged with their schoolwork; and

WHEREAS, in our complex and developing community, educators, administrators, and support staff lay a foundation for success in developing students’ creative thinking, collaboration, and communication skills; and

WHEREAS, educators, administrators, and support staff spend untold hours and resources providing quality education to all students regardless of backgrounds or challenges; and

WHEREAS, educators, administrators, and support staff create an atmosphere for students to grow, learn, and feel safe; and

WHEREAS, the knowledge, support, and skills Delaware educators, administrators, and support staff provide students will positively impact generations for years to come; and

WHEREAS, it is paramount that educators, administrators, and support staff be recognized for their dedication and commitment to educating our students.

WHEREAS, local, State, and Federal lawmakers should prioritize support for strengthening the Nation’s public schools and empower local education leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education stakeholders and learning communities; and

WHEREAS, local, State, and Federal lawmakers should support such necessities as counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health supports that are critical to help students engage in learning; and

WHEREAS, inclusive and safe high-quality public schools are where children learn to think critically, problem solve, and build relationships; and

WHEREAS, public schools should provide an environment where all students can succeed beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who they are or where they live; and

WHEREAS, efforts should be supported to advance equity and excellence in public education and to implement continuous improvement and evidence-based practices; and

WHEREAS, every child has the right to an education that helps them reach their full potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience; and

WHEREAS, stable, equitable, predictable, and adequate funding for great public schools for every student in America is necessary to ensure that students have inviting classrooms and school libraries with up-to-date resources as well as well-prepared and supported educators; and

WHEREAS, educators include teachers, specialists, education support professionals , and principals who provide a well-rounded and complete curriculum and create joy in learning; and

WHEREAS, students, educators, administrators, and support staff make the Nation’s public schools vital components of the community; and

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151 ^st General Assembly, the Senate concurring therein, that February 21 through 25, 2022, is hereby designated as “PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK”, and the State Legislature expresses its gratitude for the indefinable and untiring efforts and actions of Delaware’s educators, administrators, and support staff during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives offers its deepest appreciation and heartfelt support for educators, specialists, administrators, paraprofessionals, school secretaries, nutrition , facility, and transportation professionals that support Delaware students.