Florida Senate - 2020 (NP) SR By Senator Cruz 18-03140-20 20201924__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. Senate Resolution A resolution designating February 24-28, 2020, as Public Schools Week. 3

WHEREAS, public education is the foundation of a 21st-5 century democracy, and

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

WHEREAS, each public school prepares this state’s young people to contribute to society, the economy, and the citizenry of this country, and

WHEREAS, 90 percent of this state’s children attend public schools, and

WHEREAS, local officials and state lawmakers support strengthening the public schools of this state and work to empower local education leaders to manage and lead school districts in partnership with educators, parents, and other local stakeholders and learning communities, and

WHEREAS, local officials and state lawmakers support counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health services that are critical to helping students learn, and

WHEREAS, safe, high-quality public schools are where children learn to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and build relationships, and

WHEREAS, public schools should provide an environment where all students can succeed, beginning in their earliest years, 26 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 Florida Senate - 2020 (NP) SR 1924 18-03140-20 20201924__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. improvement and evidence-based practices, and

WHEREAS, all children have a right to an education that helps them reach their full potential and to attend schools that offer a high-quality educational experience, and

WHEREAS, students, teachers, and professionals make this state’s public schools vital components of the community, and

WHEREAS, parents and communities are working hard to improve educational outcomes for children across the country, 37 and

WHEREAS, the week of February 24-28, 2020, would be an appropriate period to designate as Public Schools Week, NOW, 40 THEREFORE, 41

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 43 That the members of the Senate support the designation of February 24-28, 2020, as Public Schools Week. 46