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:
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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.
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(a) The commissioner of education may designate a school
as a Purple Star School if the school:
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(1) has a designated staff member serving as a military liaison whose duties include:
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(i) identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school;
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(ii) serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students
and families;
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(iii) determining appropriate school services available to military-connected students;
and
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(iv) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected students;
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(2) maintains easily accessible information on the school website that includes resources
for military-connected students and families, including information regarding:
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(i) student relocation, student enrollment, student registration, and transfer of school
records;
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(ii) academic planning, course offerings, and advanced classes available at the school;
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(iii) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students
enrolled at the school; and
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(iv) the designated military liaison under clause (1);
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(3) offers a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists
military-connected students in transitioning into the school;
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(4) offers professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related
to military-connected students; and
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(5) offers at least one of the following:
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(i) a resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
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(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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(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.
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(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.
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