WHEREAS, public schools play a critical role in Virginia by supporting the well-being of students and setting students of all backgrounds up for success; and

WHEREAS, the future of the Commonwealth depends on public schools as they teach, challenge, and nurture tomorrow’s leaders; and

WHEREAS, school board members are elected to represent the interests of students, teachers, parents, and their local communities; and

WHEREAS, school boards play a vital role in ensuring that students across the Commonwealth have access to a high-quality, rigorous public education and are best positioned to uphold educational excellence in Virginia's schools; and

WHEREAS, school boards are the governing bodies responsible for the oversight, success, and effectiveness of school systems across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, local school board members work with parents, businesses, education professionals, and other community members to create a shared vision of success for students; and

WHEREAS, these decisions affect the present and future lives of children and chart a path to prepare all students to be competitive in our workforce and our economy; and

WHEREAS, School Board Appreciation Month acknowledges the contributions, dedication, and service of Virginia’s local school board members;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail Spanberger, do hereby recognize February 2026, as SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.