MICHIGAN SENATE
Senate Resolution No. 86
Offered by Senators Bellino, Lauwers, Daley, Albert, Nesbitt, Huizenga,
Damoose, Webber, McDonald Rivet, Wojno and Hauck
A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 28-
FEBRUARY 3, 2024, AS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
WHEREAS, There are 49,858 students attending 210 Catholic elementary and high schools
throughout our great state; and
WHEREAS, The Constitution of Michigan states that, “Religion, morality and knowledge being
necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education
shall forever be encouraged”; and
WHEREAS, Catholic school parents pay tuition in addition to supporting their local public schools
through their taxes; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools comply with the same health, safety, and general welfare regulations
required of public schools; and
WHEREAS, Taking into account Michigan’s minimum public school foundation allowance of
$9,608 per pupil, Catholic schools will save taxpayers more than $479 million in state spending
during the current school year; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools instill a broad, values-based education, emphasizing the lifelong
development of moral, intellectual, and social values in young people, making them responsible
citizens of our state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic, many students who
are economically disadvantaged, and exemplifies that a good education remains the single best way
out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, With their traditionally high academic standards, high graduation rates, and commitment
to community service, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to society; and
WHEREAS, January 28-February 3, 2024, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week, with the
theme, “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community” as denoted by the National Catholic
Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
WHEREAS, The common good of the state of Michigan is strengthened through the continued
existence of Catholic schools; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates who hold
“helping others” among their core values; and
WHEREAS, A supportive partnership is created within Catholic schools for each student’s family,
while also encouraging parental involvement in the education of their children, so that Catholic
students form productive lives which benefit future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize
January 28-February 3, 2024, as Catholic Schools Week. We support the continued dedication of
Catholic schools across Michigan toward academic excellence and the key role that Catholic schools
play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for students; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference
with our highest esteem.
Adopted by the Senate, January 25, 2024.
Secretary of the Senate