WHEREAS, public education is the key to ensuring our children have a bright future; and
WHEREAS, public education is an economic necessity, an anchor of democracy, a moral imperative and a fundamental civil right; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has further demonstrated that public schools are the bedrock of every community—as educators, we constantly strive to help all schools provide the highest standards for teaching and learning, and public schools may be the last institution that, on a local level, is overwhelmingly trusted by families and communities; and
WHEREAS, providing public schools that are safe, healthy and welcoming spaces to teach and learn, and where students’ academic and social emotional learning needs are met, is an essential building block to giving all students an equal opportunity to succeed and to having an educated citizenry that will protect and participate in our democratic government; and
WHEREAS, public school leaders, along with many other front-line workers, have been heroes during the pandemic by keeping children fed, looking after their considerable mental health and social emotional needs, and keeping them engaged during a time of great uncertainty; public school leaders must have adequate resources to perform their jobs safely, with appropriate working conditions, and the support they need to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, where all employees receive an appropriate wage and working conditions; and
WHEREAS, the traditional attacks against public education—including underfunding, private school vouchers and charters—have continued, with additional efforts to scare communities with debates about masks and the teaching of honest history to undermine our most valuable institutions; and
WHEREAS, there are real issues in public education that must be addressed, including educator shortages, mental health challenges, and the effects on students due to disruption and missed instructional time;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Federation of School Administrators will continue our work with Congress, state and local school boards and governments to ensure the following for administrators, school employees, communities and parents:
- a voice to work together to ensure our public schools remain a beacon of hope and democracy;
- the shared goals of equitable education for all students, freedom to teach history, civics, diversity and bringing students together around common values;
- resources to expand community schools and wraparound services; and
- new pathways for students, including career and technical education, so that all students can succeed and have bright futures.