The bill HB2246 establishes the Purple Star School Program within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to support military students and their families during school transitions. Schools that offer instruction from kindergarten through grade 12 can apply to participate in the program. To be approved, schools must meet several criteria, including providing professional development training to at least 70% of staff on the unique needs of military students, designating a point of contact for the program, establishing a peer mentorship program, holding at least one patriotic event annually, and maintaining a website or webpage with resources for military families.

The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the designated point of contact, requirements for the peer mentorship program, and the content of the patriotic event. Schools must submit an annual report to ADE detailing their compliance with the program's requirements. If a school fails to meet the requirements or submit the report, ADE can revoke its Purple Star School status. The bill defines relevant terms such as "military," "military student," "Purple Star School," and "veteran." An amendment to the bill specifies that the professional development training must include only politically neutral instruction and materials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-249.01
House Engrossed Version: 15-249.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-249.01
Chaptered Version: 15-249.01