# Education (GED)

## Title 7. Public Schools

### Subtitle 1. General Provisions

#### Section 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) 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.

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Md. Code Ann., Educ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)