Tester Leads Colleagues in Designating Public Schools Week to Recognize Critical Role of Public Education

Senator: “A strong public education system is the key to providing our kids with the tools they need to reach their full potential”

U.S. Senator Jon Tester, a former public school teacher, is leading a bipartisan group of his colleagues in celebrating the critical role public school teachers, administrators, parents, and students play in their communities by designating February 22 – 26 as Public Schools Week.

“A strong public education system is the key to providing our kids with the tools they need to reach their full potential,” said Tester. “And this year, in the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, our public schools have stepped up to the plate to ensure their students can continue to learn in spite of the difficult circumstances. I’m proud to celebrate Public Schools Week to recognize the importance of public education, teachers, administrators, and parents in strengthening our communities and keeping our kids’ futures bright.”

Tester’s resolution encourages state, local, and federal lawmakers to prioritize efforts to strengthen public education and bolster services that provide critical support for students, including counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health resources. The resolution also urges Congress support efforts to advance equal opportunities for students of all backgrounds, so that every child can receive a high-quality education, no matter who they are or where they live.

A product of Montana’s public schools and a former Big Sandy music teacher, Senator Tester has been a leader in providing Montana students the tools they need to thrive. As schools have adapted to meet the needs of students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Tester has secured more than $41 million for Montana schools as they transitioned to online learning, millions in investments to support high-speed internet, and millions in flexible emergency funding to support public education. In addition, Tester has urged Congressional leadership to ensure additional COVID relief packages include the resources public schools need to continue providing quality education to students while keeping them safe.

Full text of Tester’s resolution is available HERE.