WA OSPI Announces 2026 Purple Star District Award Recipients for Military-Friendly Schools

Washington School Districts Honored for Their Commitment to Military Families

Media Contact

Katy Payne she/her
360-764-0201

April 08, 2026

OLYMPIA—April 8, 2026— The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, in partnership with the Washington Association of School Administrators, is pleased to announce Purple Star District Awards for 2026 and 2027.

Now in its third year, the Purple Star Award program recognizes school districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to military-connected students and families through the implementation of military-friendly policies and practices. Districts that meet the program requirements earn a two-year Purple Star designation.

Purple Star Districts are dedicated to addressing the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of students from military families, including challenges related to frequent school transitions and parental deployments. By earning this designation, districts affirm their commitment to providing military-connected students and families with the resources, supports, and tools needed for academic success and future readiness—whether in higher education, military service, or a technical career.

"In Medical Lake Schools, supporting our military-connected students and families isn't just a program—it’s a core part of who we are,” said Rey Ornelas, Military Family Advocate, Medical Lake School District. “We recognize the unique strengths and challenges that come with military life, from the pride of service to the hurdles of frequent transitions. By fostering a culture of belonging and specialized support, we ensure that every student feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed, no matter where their journey has taken them or where it leads next."

The Washington State Purple Star Award, established by the Legislature in 2023, recognizes districts that meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The district maintains a dedicated page on its website featuring resources for military families.

• The district has a designated staff point of contact for military families who:

  • Collaborates 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. Optional criteria (districts must complete at least one):

• Provides professional development for additional staff on special considerations for military students and families;

• Adopts a resolution publicly affirming the district’s support for military children and families; or

• Hosts a military recognition event that demonstrates a military-friendly culture.
  OSPI and WASA are proud to formally recognize and congratulate the 2026 recipients of the Purple Star Award:

• Cheney School District

• Medical Lake School District

• North Thurston Public Schools

• Yelm Community Schools

• Bremerton School District

• Central Kitsap School District

• Clover Park School District

• Peninsula School District

• Steilacoom Historical School District

• Sumner-Bonney Lake School District

• Oak Harbor School District
  The list of 2025 Purple Star District Award recipients is available in this news release. Districts interested in applying for the Purple Star Award should note that OSPI and WASA anticipate opening the next application window in early September 2026.

OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 8 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education.

The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is an organization for professional administrators that is committed to leadership in providing equity and excellence in student learning and developing competent, ethical, and visionary leaders.