Published: June 29, 2009 04:46 pm      

School board decides not to restore JROTC funding

Just under 70 students have enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Cumberland County and Stone Memorial high schools for the coming fall. But those students will need to find new classes after the Cumberland County Board of Education, faced with making numerous budget cuts, declined to restore previously cut funding for the program.

"It is a very good program," said Director of Schools Aarona VanWinkle, "however, we don't have the money."

The program is partially funded by the U.S. Army, which provides half of the salaries for the commissioned and noncommissioned officers who oversee the program. Currently, the school system has only two instructors, but VanWinkle said the Army would not continue to fund the program without two additional personnel being hired in July. The program had budgeted salaries of $210,000, with $105,000 in revenue.

"There is no provision in state funding for JROTC. In order for that to happen, we've got to have local revenue," she said. "It's difficult to obligate the little over $100,000 in BEP money when we're worried about sales tax and property tax coming in on budget."

Shirley Parris, BOE chairperson, said, "If they don't fund our schools, we don't have the money. We don't fund anything. Any dollar cut from this budget is because the county doesn't fund our schools like they should."

Students enrolled in JROTC earn credits in health and wellness, U.S. government and personal finance. Cadets with three semesters of JROTC in high school also have the option to join the military at a beginning pay rank of E-3, two pay grades higher than enlistees with no JROTC experience.

Students have the opportunity to take part in several extra-curricular activities through JROTC, as well, and have been active in community service.

Chris Singer, battalion commander at CCHS, said, "The program has done great things for me and we have helped the community through tons of things. I think it would be in the best interest of Cumberland County to keep JROTC. In my opinion, the surrounding counties don't seem to have a problem keeping their programs."

Singer works part time at a local downtown business.

"My respectful ways and attitude have helped me build in the workforce," Singer said. "I would like to stay in Cumberland County and further my children's education in Cumberland County schools. But I don't want my children to worry about any of their classes being cut."

Timothy Keene, a student at SMHS, echoed Singer's comments.

"If you take away JROTC from the community, you are taking away the things that are taught to students in the corps — loyalty, respect and honor," he said.

He urged the BOE to try to keep the program going.

"I know you do not have the power to raise the funds to keep the corps, but you have the influence to talk to the people who have the power to do that," Keene said.

Parent and veteran Mary Corson said, "When I look at these young individuals when they put on their uniform and I see the pride in the United States and their community, I am floored. It makes me proud all over again.

"As a parent, I can say there has been a difference in my son since he joined the program. He has learned respect for himself and others. I can teach him respect at home but, as we all know, when another adult steps in, they usually learn quicker and better."

The Army would not allow the school system to divide the program between the two high schools, with two instructors teaching half the day at one school and the other half at the other school.

Low student participation was another problem, VanWinkle said. At CCHS, the program was scheduled to have nine students one block, 16 the next and five the last block. At SMHS, nine students were scheduled for one block, five students the next, 10 the next and 13 the last block.

"No other program would have that student-teacher ratio?" asked Dan Schlafer, 9th District representative.

VanWinkle said he was correct. It was also noted the difference between the salary of the lowest paid non-commissioned officer and a new teacher was $18,000.

"The Army does pay half the salary, but they set the salary," VanWinkle said.

Cumberland County Mayor Brock Hill wrote to members of the county budget committee, "Cumberland County is fortunate to have an active and successful Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program in its educational curricululm. As you continue review of the 2009-'10 fiscal year Cumberland County Board of Education budget, I encourage you to consider the importance of the JROTC to young men and women of our community."

The program has been championed by local veterans groups, as well.

"On behalf of the almost 7,000 veterans of Cumberland County, they are in support of the JROTC program," said Mark Daniels, veterans service officer. "I commend them. That's the kind of leaders we need for tomorrow."