HF 4451

1st Engrossment - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/13/2024 12:19pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing a Purple Star School designation; proposing
coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 127A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [127A.853] PURPLE STAR SCHOOL DESIGNATION.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "military-connected student"
means a student who has an immediate family member, including a parent or sibling, who:
(1) is currently a member of the armed forces serving as either a reservist or on active duty
in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; (2) is currently
serving in the Minnesota National Guard; (3) has recently retired from the armed forces; or
(4) is the dependent of a member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Purple Star School. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of education may designate a school
as a Purple Star School if the school:
new text end

new text begin (1) has a designated staff member serving as a military liaison whose duties include:
new text end

new text begin (i) identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school;
new text end

new text begin (ii) serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students
and families;
new text end

new text begin (iii) determining appropriate school services available to military-connected students;
and
new text end

new text begin (iv) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected students;
new text end

new text begin (2) maintains easily accessible information on the school website that includes resources
for military-connected students and families, including information regarding:
new text end

new text begin (i) student relocation, student enrollment, student registration, and transfer of school
records;
new text end

new text begin (ii) academic planning, course offerings, and advanced classes available at the school;
new text end

new text begin (iii) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students
enrolled at the school; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) the designated military liaison under clause (1);
new text end

new text begin (3) offers a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists
military-connected students in transitioning into the school;
new text end

new text begin (4) offers professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related
to military-connected students; and
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new text begin (5) offers at least one of the following:
new text end

new text begin (i) a resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
new text end

new text begin (ii) recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant
events hosted by the school; or
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new text begin (iii) a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active
duty military members to volunteer at the school, speak at an assembly, or host a field trip.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must establish a process for schools to seek Purple Star School
designation by July 1, 2026. The commissioner may award Purple Star School designations
starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and on an ongoing basis as schools meet qualifications
for the designation.
new text end