Boback: Purple Star School Program Coming to PA Schools
HARRISBURG – A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) to establish the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf.
The Purple Star School Program supports military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. Military-connected children include those of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves.
“Under the new law, schools are encouraged to identify and assist students of transient military personnel as they adapt to their new location,” said Boback. “Moving from school to school, as these students often do, is never easy. I am pleased the program will now be in place to help make this difficult transition much easier for kids in military families.”
Under Act
69 of 2022, formerly
House Bill 1867, Pennsylvania public and non-public schools will be designated as Purple Star campuses by the Department of Education if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. School district participation in the program is voluntary.
Pennsylvania now joins 30 other states that have Purple Star designation programs.
Act 69 will take effect in 180 days.
Representative Karen Boback
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com