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The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in collaboration with the Washington Association of School Administrators, is proud to announce the 2025 Purple Star Award recipients. Now in its second year, the Purple Star Award Program recognizes school districts that have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting military families and students by implementing military-friendly practices. These districts have successfully met the requirements to earn a two-year military award designation.?

Purple Star school districts are dedicated to addressing the unique educational, social, and emotional challenges faced by children of military parents, such as frequent school transfers and parental deployments. By earning this designation, these districts show their commitment to providing military students and families with the tools, support, and resources necessary for a successful education, preparing them for a bright future in higher education, the military, or a technical career.?

¡°Serving the dependents of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island is a source of pride for Oak Harbor Public Schools. We embrace the rich diversity of our student population, drawn from military families stationed worldwide and nationally. Recognizing our responsibility to provide an excellent education, we work collaboratively to ensure each student, regardless of their duration with us, has a memorable and enriching learning experience with Oak Harbor Schools,¡± said Dwight Lundstrom, Assistant Superintendent, Oak Harbor School District, 2024 Purple Star Award recipient.?

The Washington state Purple Star Award is established through and qualifies districts for distinction that meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The district maintains a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families. ?
• The school district also has a staff point of contact for military families that:
  • Works jointly with the state military family education liaison of the Interstate Compact Council to serve military families;?
  • Serves as the primary liaison between military families and the school district;?
  • Completes professional development on special considerations for military students and families under relevant state and federal law; and?
  • Identifies and informs teachers of military-connected students in their classrooms and the special considerations military families and students should receive under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. ?

The school district also meets one or more of the following optional activities: ?

• Provides professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families;?
• Passes a resolution publicizing the school district¡¯s support for military children and families; or?
• Hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture. ?

"I am deeply proud of and thankful for members of our communities that serve in the military, protecting and supporting our country each and every day," said State Superintendent Chris Reykdal. "Many of these service members are also dedicated parents, guardians, or family members to K¨C12 students. Our military-connected students and their families are strong and resilient¡ªeven more so when they have their school community behind them. At Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, we're honored to recognize the school districts that foster an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for these students and their families!"?

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and WASA formally announce and congratulate the 2025 recipients of the Purple Star Award below:?

The Purple Star Award is a 2-year distinction. The 2024 Purple Star Award recipients are available for viewing here.?

The application for the 2026 Purple Star Award will open this summer.?