SENATE BILL 271

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2021

INTRODUCED BY

Harold Pope, Jr. and Siah Correa Hemphill

 

 

 

 

 

AN ACT

RELATING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS; CREATING PURPLE STAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE SCHOOLS THAT DEMONSTRATE A COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES CONNECTED TO THE UNITED STATES MILITARY OR HONOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF VETERANS AND ACTIVE AND RESERVE MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY AND THE NATIONAL GUARD.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. A new section of the Public School Code is enacted to read:

     "[NEW MATERIAL] PURPLE STAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROGRAM.--

          A. The department shall develop a "purple star public schools program" that provides a mechanism for public schools to ease the transition of students of military families into new schools by providing academic, social and emotional support to those students or, for public schools not located near a military installation, those schools that want to recognize and celebrate military service and the accomplishments of active military and veterans.

          B. A public school that has students from active-duty military families may apply to the department to be a purple star public school by:

                (1) designating school staff as a point of contact for military-related students and their families and for the military;

                (2) providing professional development for point-of-contact staff;

                (3) including a page on its school website that features resources and information for military families;

                (4) describing the academic, social and emotional supports available to assist transitioning military students; and

                (5) submitting a resolution to the local school board supporting military students and the public school's application to become a purple star public school.

          C. A public school that does not have students from active-duty military families may apply to be a purple star public school by:

                (1) emphasizing the importance and honor of military service;

                (2) recognizing the service to the country and accomplishments of veterans, active-duty and reserve military and the national guard in their communities;

                (3) sponsoring special events recognizing military service;

                (4) celebrating students who have committed to serving in the military; and

                (5) submitting a resolution to the local school board supporting students of military families and the public school's application to become a purple star public school."

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