§7–129.

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

        (2)    “Military–connected student” means a student who is a dependent of:

            (i)    An active duty uniformed services member;

            (ii)    A member of a reserve component; or

            (iii)    A member described in item (i) or (ii) of this paragraph who was killed in the line of duty.

        (3)    “Program” means the Purple Star Schools Program.

    (b)    (1)    There is a Purple Star Schools Program.

        (2)    The purpose of the Program is to recognize public schools that provide strong services and support for military–connected students and their families when, as a result of official orders, a military–connected student transfers schools.

    (c)    (1)    The Department shall administer the Program.

        (2)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall designate a public school as a Purple Star School if the school applies and meets the criteria adopted by the Department for a Purple Star School.

    (d)    At a minimum, the Department’s criteria for a Purple Star School shall require a public school to:

        (1)    Designate a staff member as a uniformed services liaison, whose duties shall include:

            (i)    Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled at the school;

            (ii)    Serving as the point of contact between the school and newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students and their families;

            (iii)    Determining appropriate school services available to newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students;

            (iv)    Assisting in coordinating school programs for newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students; and

            (v)    Generally aiding with a military–connected student’s transition to a new school;

        (2)    Establish on the school’s website an easily accessible webpage that includes resources for military–connected students and their families, including information regarding:

            (i)    Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the school;

            (ii)    Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available at the school; and

            (iii)    Counseling and other support services available for military–connected students transitioning into the school;

        (3)    Maintain a transition program led by students, if appropriate, that assists military–connected students enrolled at the school; and

        (4)    Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military–connected students transferring to new schools.

    (e)    A public school may partner with the county board to fulfill the Department’s criteria to qualify as a Purple Star School.

    (f)    The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.