Bill > SJR1080

This resolution honors and recognizes Public Education Needs Community Involvement and Leadership, or PENCIL, a nonprofit organization in Nashville that connects Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) with community resources to support students and educators. For 44 years, PENCIL has partnered with businesses, city officials, and other nonprofits to achieve strategic goals for MNPS, which serves over 79,000 students across 159 schools, ensuring equitable access to education. PENCIL facilitates partnerships between schools and community groups, provides essential resources like school supplies through the DG PENCIL Box and technology resources via the STEAM Lending Library, and offers tutoring programs like Accelerating Scholars. The resolution highlights PENCIL's significant community investment, including over $5.93 million in business partnerships and volunteer service between 2024 and 2025, and acknowledges a recent substantial donation of pencils. It commends PENCIL's leadership and its dedication to meeting the needs of youth and educators, particularly on National Pencil Day, March 30, 2026.