Grants Pass School Board passes resolution commemorating USA's 250th anniversary

On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Grants Pass School Board unanimously adopted RESOLUTION 2526-04, A Resolution of the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Education Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America.

The resolution is a public declaration by the School Board proudly commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and encouraging students, staff, and the Grants Pass community "to be aware of and reflect upon the things that make America exceptional — including individual liberty, equality under the law, self-governance, personal responsibility, free enterprise, innovation, perseverance, the sacrifices made to secure freedom, and the contributions of diverse peoples to our nation’s story — through appropriate educational experiences." 

The United States of America will commemorate its 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. The resolution reads as follows: 

WHEREAS, on July 4, 2026, the United States of America will commemorate its Semi quincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document that established our nation on the foundational principles of liberty, equality, self-governance, and the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as endowed by our Creator;

WHEREAS, America’s history is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, innovation, and progress, where generations of diverse peoples have defended freedoms, advanced prosperity, and worked toward a more perfect union, honoring the shared principles of natural law, civic responsibility, and mutual respect that define our nation’s greatness;

WHEREAS, Grants Pass School District 7 is a learning community committed to excellence and success for all, with a mission to provide high-quality education that empowers each student to reach their potential and become responsible, productive, successful citizens, fostering an environment that is welcoming, enthusiastic, accepting, resilient, ethical, grateful, and persistent;

WHEREAS, public education plays a vital role in teaching students about the founding principles, historical achievements, and sacrifices that have made America exceptional, inspiring gratitude, patriotism, and civic virtue;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Education proudly commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and declares its support for recognizing this historic milestone;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board encourages students, staff, and the entire Grants Pass community to be aware of and reflect upon the things that make America exceptional —including individual liberty, equality under the law, self-governance, personal responsibility, free enterprise, innovation, perseverance, the sacrifices made to secure freedom, and the contributions of diverse peoples to our nation’s story—through appropriate educational experiences;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Grants Pass School District 7 Board of Education calls upon its schools, families, and community to honor this anniversary by recommitting to the enduring American ideals that have driven opportunity, prosperity, and greatness for generations.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED by the Grants Pass School Board this 14^th  day of April, 2026.

Dustin Smith, Board Chair

Joe Schmidt, Vice Chair

Chad Dybdahl, Board Member

Cassie Wilkins, Board Member

Quin Pehrson, Board Member

Gary Richardson, Board Member

Nathan Seable, Board Member