The Okaloosa County School Board has reaffirmed its dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families by unanimously approving a resolution during the August 11, 2025, board meeting.
The resolution commits the district to connecting military students and families with the resources and services they need for a successful educational experience. Military officials from Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, the 7th Special Forces Group, and Duke Field attended the meeting to recognize the district’s Purple Star Initiative and show their support.
Since the Purple Star program launched three years ago under Governor Ron DeSantis and Representative Pat Maney, all 37 Okaloosa County schools have earned the Purple Star School of Distinction designation, with the district itself receiving Purple Star recognition last year. The program highlights the district’s ongoing efforts to ease school transitions and provide strong support networks for military students.
The resolution acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the 1.6 million children of active duty military members worldwide, including the approximately 70,000 who live in Florida. Following the vote, the district presented commemorative coins to the military representatives in attendance as a gesture of appreciation for their continued partnership and service.