The Interstate Compact is a document that applies to all military-connected students in public schools, specifically children of the following: active duty members of the uniformed services, including Guard and Reserve; members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year; members who die on active duty, for a period of one year after death; and uniformed members of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and United States Public Health Services (USPHS). All 50 states have adopted this compact, which “allows for uniform treatments as military children transfer between school districts in member states” and specifically covers enrollment, placement & attendance, eligibility, and graduation issues that concern military students (www.mic3.net). For example, if a military-connected student misses extracurricular tryouts due to a PCS or Permanent Change of Station (i.e. a move), he/she is covered under the Compact to still participate in this extracurricular activity.
MIC3 is the shortened name for Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission. I am the North Dakota MIC3 State Lead. Our North Dakota Compact Commissioner is Dr. Mark Vollmer. More information about our state-specific commission can be found at https://mic3.net/state/north-dakota/. Without this governance structure, enforcement and compliance of the Compact wouldn’t happen at both the state and national levels. As your School Liaison Program Manager, I proactively address any Compact-related challenges and request that you reach out to me if any should arise with your student! I aim to ensure seamless communication between military families and local education authorities (LEAs) and will work to support you.
For a copy of the Compact, please visit mic3.net and click on “Parents” and “Compact Rules.” You can also stop by my office for a hard copy.
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
