SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5071
As of January 10, 2023
Title: An act relating to creating the purple star award.
Brief Description: Creating the purple star award.
Sponsors: Senators Nobles and Wagoner.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/11/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Creates the Purple Star Award to recognize military friendly school districts.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Alexandra Fairfortune (786-7416)
Background:

The Legislature enacted the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (compact) in 2009 to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families due to frequent moves and deployment of their parents. 


Article VIII of the compact requires each member state to have a state council to coordinate compliance with the provisions of the compact.  The state council appoints the military family education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of the compact.
Summary of Bill:

The Purple Star Award is created to recognize military friendly school districts that show a commitment to students and families connected to the nation's military.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) may collaborate with a state agency or nonprofit organization that has experience serving the needs of a diverse K-12 population to establish and administer the award.  The award shall be awarded every two years beginning in 2024.


A school district must be considered for a Purple Star Award if it completes all the required activities and at least one optional activity.  The required activities are: 

  • have a staff point of contact for military students and families; and
  • maintain a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families.

 

The staff point of contact must work jointly with the state military family education liaison; serve as the primary liaison between military families and the school district; complete professional development on special considerations for military students and families; and identify and inform teachers of military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations they should receive. 


The optional activities are:

  • provide professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families; 
  • pass a resolution publicizing the district's support for military children and families; or
  • host a military recognition event that demonstrates a military friendly culture.

 

OSPI must make the following available on its website:

  • a simple application for the award; 
  • a timeline for submitting the application and announcing award recipients; and
  • the criteria being used to review the applications and determine which school districts receive the award.
Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 4, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.