Subd. 1. Definition.

For purposes of this section, "military-connected student" means a student who has an immediate family member, including a parent or sibling, who: (1) is currently a member of the armed forces serving as either a reservist or on active duty in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; (2) is currently serving in the National Guard; (3) has recently retired from the armed forces; or (4) is the dependent of a member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty.

Subd. 2. Purple Star School.

1. (a) The commissioner of education may designate a school as a Purple Star School if the school:

   1. (1) has a designated staff member serving as a military liaison whose duties include:

      1. (i) identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school;
      2. (ii) serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students and families;
      3. (iii) determining appropriate school services available to military-connected students; and
      4. (iv) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected students;

   2. (2) maintains easily accessible information on the school website that includes resources for military-connected students and families, including information regarding:

      1. (i) student relocation, student enrollment, student registration, and transfer of school records;
      2. (ii) academic planning, course offerings, and advanced classes available at the school;
      3. (iii) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students enrolled at the school; and
      4. (iv) the designated military liaison under clause (1);
   3. (3) offers a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning into the school;
   4. (4) offers professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and

   5. (5) offers at least one of the following:

      1. (i) a resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
      2. (ii) recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant events hosted by the school; or
      3. (iii) a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer at the school, speak at an assembly, or host a field trip.
2. (b) The commissioner must establish a process for schools to seek Purple Star School designation by July 1, 2026. The commissioner may award Purple Star School designations starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and on an ongoing basis as schools meet qualifications for the designation.