§ 7-129

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2) “Military–connected student” means a student who is a dependent of:

(i) An active duty uniformed services member;

(ii) A member of a reserve component; or

(iii) A member described in item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph who was killed in the line of duty.

(3) “Program” means the Purple Star Schools Program.

(b) (1) There is a Purple Star Schools Program.

(2) The purpose of the Program is to recognize public schools that provide strong services and support for military–connected students and their families when, as a result of official orders, a military–connected student transfers schools.

(c) (1) The Department shall administer the Program.

(2) Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall designate a public school as a Purple Star School if the school applies and meets the criteria adopted by the Department for a Purple Star School.

(d) At a minimum, the Department’s criteria for a Purple Star School shall require a public school to:

(1) Designate a staff member as a uniformed services liaison, whose duties shall include:

(i) Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled at the school;

(ii) Serving as the point of contact between the school and newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students and their families;

(iii) Determining appropriate school services available to newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students;

(iv) Assisting in coordinating school programs for newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students; and

(v) Generally aiding with a military–connected student’s transition to a new school;

(2) Establish on the school’s website an easily accessible webpage that includes resources for military–connected students and their families, including information regarding:

(i) Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the school;

(ii) Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available at the school; and

(iii) Counseling and other support services available for military–connected students transitioning into the school;

(3) Maintain a transition program led by students, if appropriate, that assists military–connected students enrolled at the school; and

(4) Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military–connected students transferring to new schools.

(e) A public school may partner with the county board to fulfill the Department’s criteria to qualify as a Purple Star School.

(f) The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.