The Okaloosa County School Board voted unanimously to adopt a resolution committing the district to connect military students and families to resources and services aimed at ensuring a successful school experience. The board took the action during its regular meeting after Superintendent Chambers read the resolution and military representatives addressed the board.

The resolution cites that the district has the highest percentage of military-child enrollment in Florida and notes challenges these students face from frequent relocations, separations due to deployment and reintegration. Superintendent Chambers read the resolution aloud and framed the effort as more than a symbolic designation: “We do not want this to simply be a recognition on a piece of paper. We want it to be about what we do,” he said.

Nut graf: The Purple Star designation is intended to make transitions easier for military families by coordinating enrollment, records transfers and graduation verification. Adopting the resolution formalizes district commitment and was followed by remarks from multiple installation leaders who stressed the role of schools in military families’ decisions to move to — or stay in — the area.

Board members described personal connections to military life while expressing support for the resolution. Board member Mr. Heinle said he is “a proud air force brat” and emphasized local services such as Eglin Elementary’s EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) supports for students with specific needs. Board member Miss Evanchek noted the district’s partnerships at gate-area schools near Hurlburt Field.

Several military representatives also spoke. Pat Carlton, civilian deputy for the 7th Special Forces Group, said school quality and continuity are central to service members’ family decisions and cited Okaloosa County’s high desirability for assignments. A senior installation official added that the Purple Star designation “allows us to not worry about their education because we know that they’re being taken care of and we can worry about what we need to do.”

Formal action: Board members moved and seconded the resolution; the motion carried 5–0. The superintendent and district staff will continue collaboration with installation liaisons and school liaison program managers to implement Purple Star practices across campuses.

Ending: After the vote, the board posed for photos with military leaders and district staff, and the superintendent presented that the district will maintain ongoing collaboration to support military-connected students and families.