Governor Stein Proclaims Public Schools Week

Public Schools Week

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina’s public schools are essential to our state’s prosperity and are the foundation of our communities, providing opportunities for all children and ensuring that our state has a strong, well-educated workforce and well-informed people; and

Whereas, public schools welcome every child – celebrating students of every ability, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, economic background, language, or country of origin – and help cultivate a passion for learning, inspire curiosity and imagination, and unlock the potential of millions of young people each year; and

Whereas, public schools open doors of economic opportunity and serve as economic linchpins in every community, bringing together adults, children, educators, business leaders, volunteers, and elected leaders in North Carolina; and

Whereas, public school employees – teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, instructional assistants, nutrition staff, custodians, bus drivers, office staff, and administrators – work tirelessly each day for our students and their families; and

Whereas, for more than 150 years, North Carolina has defined itself by the strength of our public education system, and generations of North Carolina leaders have worked to ensure that our public schools have the resources they need to educate all students, even in times of economic crisis; and

Whereas, high-quality early childhood education builds the foundation for achievement, and expanding access to early childhood education and quality child care is a critical component of providing children with the education they need; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages everyone across the state to observe this week by supporting our public schools and educators, sharing the great work happening every day in our public schools, and advocating for strong, fully funded public schools in every county;

Now, Therefore, I, josh stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 23 – 27, 2026, as “Public Schools Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.