Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Purple Star Schools Recognition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board highlights growth of Purple Star Schools program; board presents banners and resolutions
Summary
The Alabama State Board of Education recognized Purple Star Schools on April 13, noting growth from 53 schools in 2022 to 122 in 2023 and remarks on the program’s benefits for military-connected students.
The Alabama State Board of Education on April 13 in Montgomery recognized Purple Star Schools and presented banners and resolutions marking the program’s growth and support for military-connected students.
Dr. Mackey, the state superintendent, told the board that the department had expected about 20 schools to sign up but instead saw 53 Purple Star Schools in 2022 and 122 in 2023. “We had 53 schools in 2022, and we have a 122 schools in 2023,” he said. He also noted the board had banners and resolution copies for the recognized schools and asked representatives to gather for photos after the meeting.
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Arras, the education liaison stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base, addressed the board and described why the designation matters to military families. “Purple Star Schools means the world. It means our kids know they're in a school where someone is there that knows what's going on,” Lt. Col. Arras said. He explained that military children typically move between six and nine times during a 12-year school career, adding that the Purple Star designation signals school commitment to easing those transitions.
Dr. Mackey said the program’s expansion reflects partnership work with the Military Stability Foundation, Air University’s K–12 education working group and multiple nonprofits. He reported that Alabama now has more than 16,000 military-connected students and that 11 districts applied and were recognized districtwide as Purple Star; he thanked superintendents and school representatives present for their work.
Several superintendents and school leaders attended the meeting for the recognition, including Dr. Aaron Milner of Saraland, Ben Baker of Dale County and Mike Howard of Jacksonville City. School librarians Jennifer Northrup and Tamika Lawrence were also in the chamber and were acknowledged for the role of school libraries in literacy work.
Board members invited representatives of the recognized schools to the front after adjournment for photographs with banners and individual board members. The board then moved to a work session and planned a schedule of events that included an arts performance in the rotunda and lunch before reconvening for the work session.
