Bill
SB 211
MI MDE will create a voluntary Purple Star program by 2026 to designate public schools that provide targeted supports and liaison for military-connected students and families.
Status: Referred to Committee on Education. Introduced Jan 23, 2025 (bill text filed Apr 16, 2025). Sponsor: Sen. Joseph Bellino (MI).
Summary
This bill directs the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to create a voluntary “Purple Star” program to recognize public schools that provide specified supports for military‑connected pupils and families. The program must be established by January 1, 2026, and must include an application process and a designation procedure. Public schools that meet the statutory criteria qualify for designation as a Purple Star Program school.
Main purpose and intent
- Encourage and formally recognize K–12 public schools that identify, support and ease transitions for pupils from military families.
- Promote consistent school practices (liaison, information, transition support, staff training, student/family engagement) that address the educational and social needs of military‑connected pupils.
Key provisions / requirements
- MDE must create the Purple Star program no later than Jan 1, 2026, and provide:
- An application process for public schools to seek designation.
- A designation process that requires schools to meet the criteria listed below.
- Minimum criteria a public school must meet to qualify:
1. Designate a staff member as a military liaison responsible for identifying military‑connected pupils, serving as the primary point of contact, coordinating services, and helping ensure access to counseling, mentoring and supports.
2. Maintain an easily accessible web page (linked from the school homepage) with resources for military‑connected pupils/families, including information on relocation/enrollment/records transfer, academic planning, counseling/support services, and liaison contact/duties.
3. Maintain a pupil‑led transition program (where appropriate) to help military‑connected pupils transition into the school.
4. Offer professional development for staff on issues related to military‑connected pupils (may be provided by a state educator association).
5. Offer at least one of the following initiatives: a school resolution of support; monthly recognition of military‑connected pupils/families; partnership with a branch of the armed forces for volunteering/assemblies/field trips; or pupil‑driven clubs promoting family/community engagement.
- Definitions: “Armed forces” (U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, reserves including National Guard). “Military‑connected pupil” means a pupil who is a family member of a current or former service member, or who was a family member of a service member killed in the line of duty.
Who is affected
- Public schools (school districts, intermediate school districts, public school academies) that choose to apply.
- Military‑connected pupils and their families (benefit from coordinated supports and transition resources).
- School staff (designated liaison, staff participating in training and transition activities).
- MDE (responsible for creating and administering the program).
Procedural / timeline notes
- MDE deadline to establish the program: by Jan 1, 2026.
- After establishment, schools would apply under MDE’s application/designation procedures (timing and any ongoing renewal or reporting requirements would be set by MDE under the program).
- The bill text prescribes program content and minimum criteria but does not appropriate funds.
Potential implementation considerations
- Schools will need to assign/compensate a liaison and develop website content, transition programming, and staff PD — creating modest administrative workload and potential local costs.
- The bill creates a recognition pathway rather than mandatory service obligations.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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