During a recent Norfolk Public Schools board meeting, educators voiced concerns regarding pay disparities affecting NJROTC teachers. Jerome Ferrett, a retired Navy veteran and current teacher at Granby High School, highlighted the dedication of NJROTC instructors, emphasizing their commitment to shaping students into responsible citizens rather than pursuing financial gain. Ferrett pointed out that despite a budget that allowed for step pay raises for all full-time employees, NJROTC teachers were excluded, citing discriminatory pay practices.

Ferrett recounted his personal experience of being promised a two-step pay raise, which was later rescinded due to his status as an ROTC teacher. He expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and fairness in the pay structure, noting that other districts provide better compensation for ROTC instructors. He urged the board to rectify this issue, stating that the current pay practices undervalue the contributions of NJROTC teachers.

Another educator, also from Granby High School, echoed these sentiments, detailing how ROTC teachers have positively impacted students' lives and contributed to the district's graduation rates. He criticized the longstanding practice of paying ROTC teachers less than their counterparts in other districts, which has led to a talent drain as instructors leave for better-paying positions elsewhere.

Both educators called for equitable pay based on performance and experience, arguing that the current compensation model does not reflect the dedication and results delivered by NJROTC teachers. They urged the board to reconsider their pay structure to ensure fair treatment for all educators, regardless of their program affiliation. The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle for equitable compensation within the educational system, particularly for specialized programs like NJROTC.