A resolution designating the week of February 23 through February 27, 2026, as "National Public Schools Week".

The big picture: SRES621 aims to honor and uplift the role of public schools in the United States by officially designating a week as 'National Public Schools Week.' This kind of recognition draws public attention to the vital work educators do, especially as schools face increased scrutiny and funding challenges.

Zoom in: The designated week, from February 23 to February 27, 2026, gives teachers, students, families, and policymakers an opportunity to reflect on public education's strengths and struggles. The resolution is mostly symbolic—it doesn’t create new laws or directly change funding—but such recognition can influence future legislative debates and local actions. With 17 cosponsors, the measure has notable bipartisan support, suggesting broad agreement on the value of public schools.

Between the lines: While this move won’t solve urgent issues like teacher shortages or educational inequity, it sends a clear signal that public schools matter to Congress. The focus on public schools could also stoke discussions over school choice, educational standards, or government investment in education. For advocates, this week creates a platform to rally support or highlight concerns, both locally and nationwide.