§ 7–129
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Educ. § 7-129 (2026)
Title 7. Public Schools
Subtitle 1. General Provisions
§ 7–129LinkCopy Citation
(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)
A service member; or
(ii)
A service member 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.