The Michigan Legislature's Education and Workforce Committee convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss House Bill 4,367, which aims to support military-connected students in their K-12 education. The meeting featured testimony from Shane Preston, the Great Lakes Regional Liaison for the military community and family policy within the Department of Defense, who emphasized the challenges faced by children in military families.

Preston, a Marine Corps veteran, highlighted the frequent relocations that military families endure, often moving two to three times within five years. He described the emotional and academic toll these transitions take on children, who must leave behind friends, teachers, and familiar environments. The bill seeks to address these issues by establishing the Purple Star Schools program, which designates schools that meet the unique needs of military students.

The proposed legislation aims to create a supportive educational environment that helps military-connected students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Preston underscored the importance of aligning state and federal policies to better serve these families, noting that the challenges faced by military students are not just theoretical but are the lived experiences of many in Michigan.

The committee's discussion underscored a commitment to ensuring that military families receive the necessary support to navigate the complexities of education amid frequent relocations. The passage of House Bill 4,367 would mark a significant step toward recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by military-connected students in Michigan.