1. (a) As used in this section, “military-connected student” means a student enrolled in a public school who (1) is a dependent of a current or former member of the armed forces, as defined in section 27-103, or (2) was a dependent of a member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty.

2. (b) The State Board of Education shall establish, within available appropriations, a Purple Star School Program. The state board shall award a Purple Star School designation to any school that (1) employs a staff member who serves as a military liaison for the school and whose duties include (A) identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school, (B) serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students and their families, (C) identifying appropriate school services available to military-connected students, and (D) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected students; (2) compiles and makes available on the Internet web site for the school, information and resources available to military-connected students and their families, including, but not limited to, (A) the registration process for enrollment and the transferring of student records to the school, (B) academic planning, including curriculum and advanced placement classes offered at the school, (C) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students enrolled at the school, and (D) the contact information for the military liaison of the school; (3) provides a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning to the school; (4) provides in-service training or professional development for staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and (5) offers at least one of the following initiatives:

   1. (A) A resolution showing support for military-connected students and their families, (B) recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month, with relevant events hosted by the school, or (C) a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty members of the armed forces to volunteer at the school, speak at an assembly or host a field trip.
3. (c) A local or regional board of education may apply to the State Board of Education, in a manner and form prescribed by the state board, for the Purple Star School designation for any school under the jurisdiction of such local or regional board that satisfies the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.
4. (d) A local or regional board of education may partner with the Department of Education to provide assistance or materials for the (1) provision of the in-service training or professional development described in subdivision (4) of subsection (b) of this section, or (2) offering of an initiative described in subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of this section.

(P.A. 21-86, S. 2.)

History: P.A. 21-86 effective July 1, 2021.