Governor Proclaims Public Schools Week 2022

WHEREAS, Public Schools Week is an annual celebration that brings together school leaders, educators, parents and community leaders to recognize the importance of our nation’s public schools; and

WHEREAS, public schools are the backbone of our democracy, providing opportunities for all children, empowering families, strengthening communities, and preparing people for productive careers and meaningful lives; and

WHEREAS, public schools welcome every child—regardless of ability, race, religion, wealth, language, country of origin or needs —and help cultivate a passion for learning, inspire curiosity and imagination, and unlock the potential of young people; and

WHEREAS, public schools provide a pathway to economic success, and serve as economic linchpins to every community, bringing together families, children, educators, business leaders, volunteers, and elected leaders in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, all public school employees – teachers, school counselors, custodians, bus drivers, staff, and administrators – work tirelessly each day for our students; yet, too many public schools remain underfunded and lack the resources they need to prepare students for success and to support children and their families; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina has a constitutional duty to ensure all children have the opportunity to receive a sound, basic education, and strong, well-resourced public schools are critical to ensuring that the state meets that obligation; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages the people of our state to observe this week by supporting our public schools and educators, for whom every week is public schools week;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 21-25, 2022, as “PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.