As our education systems continue to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic we urge the next administration to prioritize investing wisely in the future of our nation through federal programs and policies that support the nation's 50 million K-12 public school students. A comprehensive and significant investment in the education of our public school students has never been more important to reducing the racial and socio-economic inequities plaguing American society today and providing a pathway for social and economic mobility. On behalf of public schools CEOs with deep expertise in education policy and as the largest employer in many communities, AASA crafts these recommendations for how the next administration can dramatically improve educational outcomes, reduce educational inequities and ensure the students in our schools today are able to excel in an increasingly competitive global workforce. Public schools perform critical functions for children and families, as well as for businesses, industries, and communities. Public schools are not just places where children can come to learn about democratic values; they are polling locations, interim food banks, and emergency shelters. The pandemic reminded us that the health and wellness of a community is directly linked to the health and wellness of the school system.