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Chiles High School: Florida Purple Star School of Distinction

Posted Date: 08/28/26 (01:32 PM)
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Six adults stand together, holding two purple banners that read 'Florida Purple Star Campus'.

Leon County School Board Approves Resolution Supporting Lawton Chiles High School’s Recertification as Florida Purple Star School of Distinction

Leon County’s first and only Purple Star campus seeks to maintain prestigious designation supporting military-connected families for the 2026–2029 school years, sparking a districtwide push for military support.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – August 26, 2026 — At its business meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Leon County School Board voted unanimously to approve a formal resolution supporting Lawton Chiles High School’s application for recertification as a Florida Purple Star School of Distinction. The resolution (Item 19.03) covers the 2026 through 2029 school years, solidifying the school's ongoing commitment to providing a welcoming, supportive, and responsive educational environment for military-connected students and their families.

“As the proud son of a U.S. Army veteran, I feel that it is an understood duty of me and my staff to help assist these families. Our staff, students, parents and community provide daily support and expressed to commitment to our members of the military and their families. We are proud to continue to our daily work that earn this recognition as a Purple Star Campus.”

Established by the Florida Legislature and administered by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), the Purple Star School of Distinction designation recognizes schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to addressing the unique educational and transitional needs of military-connected students. The designation remains valid for three school years, requiring schools to reapply and demonstrate continued compliance with state requirements. Chiles High School originally earned this prestigious status in 2023.

"We believe that this is essential work, not just to honor our military, but to support the children of military families who face unique challenges and stresses that many of their peers do not experience," said Chiles High School Assistant Principal Dan Molinaro.

Serving Those Who Serve: Leon County's First Purple Star Campus

To date, Chiles High School remains the first and only Purple Star campus in Leon County Schools. In addition to honors like being named Teacher of the Year, educator Michael Dross—who serves as an active Army Reservist with the 98th Training Division and is the school’s JROTC leader—acts as the school's dedicated Purple Star liaison.

"For all military families that come into Leon County and transition, especially at Chiles High School, I'm their first point of contact," said Michael Dross during the School Board meeting. "To help them get acclimated to everything in the school, but also where everything is in the county for them to help settle in as well."

Dross’s impact has stretched beyond the boundaries of Chiles High School. Due to its status as the county's sole Purple Star school, families from local elementary and middle schools have regularly reached out to him for guidance on navigating military transitions, prompting district leaders to look toward expanding the program countywide.

Meeting Rigorous State Standards

To secure recertification, Chiles High School successfully demonstrated compliance with the strict criteria established under Section 1003.051, Florida Statutes, and Rule 6A-1.0999, Florida Administrative Code. This includes:

  • Dedicated Military Point of Contact (MPOC): An designated liaison (Michael Dross) to assist families with enrollment, records transfers, and student services.
  • Military-Focused School Webpage: A dedicated online portal containing academic planning resources, transition assistance, and community support links.
  • Student-Led Transition Program: Peer-led initiatives helping incoming military-connected students acclimate and build a sense of belonging.
  • Staff Professional Development: Targeted training for educators to help them identify and address the unique stresses and challenges military students experience.
  • Controlled Open Enrollment: Reserving at least five percent of open enrollment seats for military students.
  • Additional Family Supports: Conducting military recognition activities such as "Purple Up! for Military Kids" and honoring the Month of the Military Child.