December 2023 -- Killeen ISD proudly celebrates the addition of eight new Purple Star Designated Campuses recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), bolstering support for military-connected students and families. These, along with one campus whose designation was renewed this year, bring the total number of Purple Star campuses to 27, each earning a two-year distinction.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath emphasized the significance: “Campuses bearing the Purple Star Designation signal to military families their commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for their children within Texas public schools.”

The Purple Star Campus Designation, established by the 86th Texas Legislature through SB 1557, honors Texas school districts and open-enrollment charter school campuses actively addressing the unique needs of military-connected students and their families. KISD proudly serves students in Killeen, Harker Heights, Nolanville, and Fort Cavazos.

To attain the Purple Star Campus Designation, schools must meet specific criteria, including appointing a campus-based military liaison, maintaining a readily accessible webpage for military-connected students and families, hosting a campus transition program, and offering initiatives such as showing support resolutions, participating in dedicated months, or forming partnerships with school liaison officers.

This esteemed accolade, rooted in SB 1557 and detailed in agency rule (19 TAC, § 61.1063) since April 9, 2020, is bestowed annually by TEA upon qualifying campuses, showcasing the Purple Star recognition on-site or their school website, as well as prominently featuring the designation on the TxSchools.gov webpage.