Eight Area Schools Earn Purple Star Designation

The schools show significant display of commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to our nation’s military.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Educator (IDOE) today announced 102 newly-designated and/or re-designated Purple Star schools – the largest group since the award was created in 2020.

Schools receiving the Purple Star designation are awarded for their significant display of commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to our nation’s military.

Locally, Jeff-Craig Elementary School and Switzerland County Elementary School were among 64 schools designated as new Purple Star schools.

Six Franklin County schools were renewed as Purple Star schools. They are:

• Brookville Elementary School, Franklin County Community School Corporation
• Franklin County High School, Franklin County Community School Corporation
• Franklin County Middle School, Franklin County Community School Corporation
• Laurel Elementary School, Franklin County Community School Corporation
• Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Franklin County Community School Corporation
• Needham Elementary School, Franklin County Community School Corporation

Schools receiving the Purple Star designation must meet the following criteria:

• Have an assigned point of contact for military families,
• Meet all grade-level training requirements for point of contact,
• Have a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans and students and families,
• Host an annual military program (e.g., Veterans Day, 9/11, etc.),
• Have a public military display recognizing service members,
• Submit a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families, and
• Ensure military service members and their immediate family members meeting minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview. 

“The daily sacrifices of our service members and their families are beyond what many of us can comprehend,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Honoring their selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms as Americans is a priority for our state, on Veterans Day and every day of the year. It is an honor to award the Purple Star designation to these Indiana schools for their recognition, celebration and support of our military families, as well as our students who may be considering a future in military service."

More information on the Indiana Purple Star School designation is available here.