HB 24-1076: Purple Star School Program

• Creates a Purple Star School Program within the Department of Education to designate public schools that provide services and supports to military-connected students and their families.

• Requires designated schools to appoint a military liaison, maintain a website resource page for military families, establish a student-led transition program, offer professional development on military issues, and implement at least one recognition initiative (such as military appreciation events or partnerships with local military installations).

• Defines military-connected students as dependents of current or former U.S. military members, active-duty service members, National Guard members, military reserves members, or those killed in the line of duty.

• Purple Star School designations are valid for three years and must be renewed through an application process; the Governor presents certificates to designated schools during the first week of April each year.

• Appropriates $33,247 to the Department of Education for the 2024-25 fiscal year ($14,364 for administration and $18,883 for grants administration) based on an assumption of 0.3 additional FTE staff.