The proposed bill establishes the Purple Star School Program within the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to identify and support schools that assist military students and their families. It allows both public and private schools to apply for designation, provided they meet specific criteria, including professional development for staff on military student needs, appointing a point of contact for military families, creating a peer mentorship program, hosting annual patriotic events, and maintaining a dedicated webpage with resources. The bill also introduces accountability measures, requiring schools to submit annual reports to ADE detailing their compliance and support efforts.

Key differences from current law include the formal creation of the Purple Star School Program, the introduction of specific eligibility requirements for schools, and the emphasis on politically neutral professional development training. The bill also defines "Purple Star School" and "veteran," clarifying the criteria for participation and ensuring that educational environments remain politically neutral. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance support for military families within the educational system by formalizing a structured program that addresses their unique needs.

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