State of Montana Newsroom
Superintendent Arntzen announces the opening of applications for MIC3 Purple Star Schools and Champions
The Montana Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) is holding its second meeting of the year on August 24, 2023, at 2:00 PM. This meeting is to open the application process for Purple Star Schools and the nomination process for Purple Star Champions. These programs began in 2020 with multiple schools and individuals having been awarded in service to our military children and families.
The commission was created through legislative action in the 2013 63rd Legislative Session through SB203, sponsored by then-Senator Ed Buttrey. All 50 states as well as the United States Territories have established individual commissions to further the needs of military children as they move with their families through military orders.
“Per our Montana Constitution, all children in Montana are given an opportunity to learn” stated Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Our military children are Montana heroes as they follow their mom or dad into service. This recognition of support also honors schools and community members who champion these students.”
Currently, there are 6,271 military-connected youth throughout the state. Montana’s MIC3 Commissioners are:
- Ray Shaw, USAF Sergeant (R), Compact Commissioner
- Elsie Arntzen, Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Col Ciro De La Vega, MSG Commander, Malmstrom Air Force Base
- Representative Ed Buttrey, Montana House of Representatives
- Lisa Sapp, Child and Youth Education Services School Liaison, Malmstrom Air Force Base
- Tom Moore, Superintendent, Great Falls Public Schools
- Brad Livingston, Ret. Brigadier General
- Brian Michelotti, Executive Director, Montana High School Association
Here is a link to the agenda for this meeting.
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