SPONSOR: Griffith
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Veterans by a vote of 13 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative Oversight by a vote of 10 to 0.
This bill provides that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will designate a school district as a "Purple Star School District" if the school district applies for the designation using a standardized form to be designed and published by the Department, and qualifies for the designation under this bill.
To qualify for designation, a school district must:
(1) Designate a staff member as a military liaison assigned to identify military-connected students enrolled in the school district; serve as the point of contact between the school district and military-connected students and their families; determine appropriate school district services available to military- connected students; and assisting in the coordination of school district programs relevant to military-connected students;
(2) Maintain on the school district website an easily accessible webpage that includes resources for military-connected students and their families. The webpage must include information about relocating and transferring records to the school district; enrolling and registering in the school district; academic planning, course sequencing, and advanced classes available; counseling and other support services available; and post the school district's military liaison along with his or her duties;
(3) Maintain a transition program, led by students when appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning to the school district;
(4) Offer professional development for teachers and staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and
(5) Pass an official resolution on behalf of the school district expressing support for military-connected students and their families; recognize a "month of the military child" or a "military family month" with relevant events hosted by the school district; or partner with a local military installation to provide opportunities for active-duty military members as specified in the bill.
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill assists military families considering that such families typically transition communities frequently. This bill sets up a support system for military members and dependents of military members when transitioning to new schools, and assists schools in being aware of unique challenges facing military families and how to assist these families.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Griffith and Arnie Dienoff.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: