OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — There are just five school districts in Florida designated as “Purple Star” school districts, and two of those districts are right here in Northwest Florida.
Those districts are Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
Seven more schools in Escambia County were also recognized with the Purple Star School of Distinction honor.
The goal for Florida is to be the most military-friendly state.
“I think the community here goes above and beyond,” Governor Ron DeSantis said.
The Purple Star School Distinction program highlights schools and now districts that show a commitment to supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military children.
“There are 67 school districts and we’re one of five to be a purple star district,” Superintendent of Okaloosa County School District Marcus Chambers said. “Again it’s a source of pride, and not just for the award or the distinction, it’s about what we’re doing for our military students and their families.”
There are now 28 Escambia County schools recognized as a Purple Star School of Distinction. Seven schools were added during this school year — Ferry Pass Elementary School, Kingsfield Elementary School, Navy Point Elementary School, Beulah Middle School, Ransom Middle School, Pensacola High School, and George Stone Technical College.
“For those military families coming in, it lets them know that that school does go above and beyond to support them,” Military Liaison of Escambia County School District Monica Willis said. “We’ve learned that our military kids on average probably move seven times.”
“As a peer mentoring, they’ll have a buddy so they’re not walking into a school full of new faces again not knowing anyone,” she added. “That’s one thing that as a school district we’ve really worked to do.”
For each district, getting this distinction does not mean their work is done.
“I’m extremely proud to get this designation, but as you said we’re going to continue to find ways to continue to enrich that relationship and make sure we are doing the best for every student in our school district,” Superintendent of Santa Rosa County Schools Dr. Karen Barber said.
400 schools across the state have been honored with this distinction since the program’s inception in 2021.