Tester, Collins Lead Effort to Strengthen Public Education

Senators introduce resolution designating February 21-25 as ‘Public Schools Week’

U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are leading a bipartisan group of colleagues in celebrating the critical role of public school teachers, administrators, parents, and students by designating February 21 – 25 as Public Schools Week.

Tester, a former public school teacher, and Collins are Co-Chairs of Public Schools Week, and have fought tirelessly to improve public education in Montana, Maine, and across the United States.

“High quality public education is critical to creating a brighter future for children and families across the nation,” said Tester, a former public school teacher and school board member. “Public school teachers and administrators play a central role in helping to grow the leaders of tomorrow, and their service to students and communities cannot be overstated. This pandemic has presented us with new challenges time and time again, but through it all, public schools have stepped up and provided their students top notch education at every turn.”

“During my Senate service, I have had the pleasure of visiting more than 200 schools throughout Maine, and I have seen an inspiring commitment to excellence that is shared by dedicated educators and staff, involved family and community members, and enthusiastic students,” said Senator Collins. “Public schools inspire students and give them tools to achieve their dreams. This week, we recognize the more than 100,000 public schools across America that play a vital role in shaping the lives of our nation’s youth.”

The Senators’ 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 to 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.