Sample School Board Resolution: We Rise Together

______________Board of Education

Resolution No. _________

WHEREAS, in December 2019, a novel coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2 was first detected, causing outbreaks of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 that has now spread globally; and prompting the President of the United States to declare a national emergency on March 13, 2020 under authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s future well-being relies on investing in the cornerstone of our democracy – high-quality public education systems that prepare all students for college, careers, democracy, and lifelong learning even in the midst of the national health emergency; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s school systems, colleges and universities must be adequately funded and supported in order to prevent prolonged learning disruptions which threaten the future and well-being of our communities and the economy; and

WHEREAS, our nation’s future well-being relies on providing our most vulnerable students access to high quality education and program supports throughout the national health emergency; and

WHEREAS, students in schools who have historically been denied a well-rounded education in fully staffed public schools due to funding shortfalls in marginalized communities are experiencing unprecedented exacerbation of long-standing inequities in our public schools and communities as a result of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the stark realities of a digital divide that impacts 10 million K-12 students who are at risk of being denied opportunities to learn and falling behind, with those most negatively impacted being students living in poverty and in rural areas, resulting in deep disparities based on race regardless of socio-economic status or community type; and

WHEREAS, the 2020-2021 school year will be history making in that the impacts of COVID-19 will be comprehensive and affect all aspects of our students’ lives, from food and housing security to access to healthcare and educational technology and beyond, evidencing it is more important now than ever that a child’s chances for success must not depend on whether they have internet access at home, have access to a personal learning device, or are living in the right zip code; and

WHEREAS, Education Support Professionals (ESPs) and other school staff who interact with students and their families must have proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to help protect students, colleagues, families, and themselves from contracting and spreading COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the voices of educators are critical to ensuring student-centered decision-making in response to the national health emergency; and

WHEREAS, the safety and well-being of students and educators cannot be compromised,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the [School District Governing Board name] supports the passage of legislation by the United States Congress appropriating at least $175 billion, to be distributed to states and local districts through an allocation formula based on poverty, to fill COVID-19 budget gaps that threaten students in schools and on campuses. To ensure the ongoing support of students, educators, and communities through the national health emergency, the [School District Governing Board name], together with the [Local Affiliate name], support:

1. stabilizing education funding for students in our communities’ schools and campuses,
2. building bridges for educational opportunity for students and stronger communities, and
3. supporting the safety, health, and well-being of students and educators.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the [School District Governing Board name] demands Congress authorize the use of funds appropriated as part of coronavirus response for the identification and distribution of necessary supports for families, students, and community members throughout the COVID-19 crisis, including mental health and nutritional supports, training for loss and trauma related to the pandemic, investment in housing supports for households with school-aged children, and expanded funding to community-based healthcare though school partnerships; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the [School District Governing Board name] demands Congressional action to provide additional funding for the highly successful E-Rate program which helps schools ensure connectivity for online learning; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the [School District Governing Board name] demands Congress task the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) with developing emergency standards to help protect frontline workers at risk of contracting coronavirus; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the [School District Governing Board name] demands Congressional action to cancel monthly federal student loan payments and interest accrual, including commercially held Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) and Perkins Loans for the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [School District Governing Board name] will develop and implement a committee in partnership with the [Local Affiliate name] and other stakeholders to produce and provide feedback on plans for ongoing instruction and learning opportunities, such as modified school calendars, extended learning components, distance learning plans, and other options that comport with federal and state public health guidance; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [School District Governing Board name] will undertake to consult with and meaningfully engage the [Local Affiliate name] and the community to ensure that the interests of students, especially those most vulnerable, are represented in critical decision-making processes responding to the national health emergency; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to our Governor, and to all members of the United States House of Representatives and Senate representing the families in our District.

ADOPTED by the Board of Directors of the ___________ School District, ________ County, State, at the regular open public meeting thereof, held this [XXth] day of [month], 20XX.

ATTEST: Board of Directors:

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(Board Name), Chair

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(Board Name), Member

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(Board Name), Member

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(Board Name), Member

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(Board Name), Member

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(Board Name), Member

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SUPERINTENDENT NAME, Secretary Board of Directors