In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution designating January 2026 as "School Director Recognition Month” in Pennsylvania.
 

With about 9 out of 10 students in the Commonwealth attending public schools, school board directors play a vital role in ensuring that every child has access to a safe, strong, healthy, and productive learning environment.
 

Pennsylvania is home to about 4,500 school board directors serving 500 school districts. The nine members of each local school board manage important responsibilities, including adopting budgets, developing policies, adhering to key guidelines, hiring employees, ensuring safety and security, and conducting comprehensive planning.
 

School board directors volunteer their time and effort to ensure our public schools are governed well and provide an educational environment where every student can find a path to success. Since they are elected locally, they also directly represent parents and taxpayers in their respective communities. In fact, 41 percent of school directors attended schools in the district where they serve, and 94 percent have children who attend schools in their district.
 

Although school board directors serve voluntarily and without pay, they are tasked with navigating complex issues and making key decisions on issues and challenges facing their local communities. School board directors are our neighbors, co-workers, fellow parents, and friends. Their service is invaluable to public education in Pennsylvania. 
 
I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this resolution.