Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jrotc Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Groveport board hears JROTC program is fully funded but struggles to hire second instructor under salary schedule
Summary
Superintendent staff told the board the district is receiving maximum reimbursements for nearly half of each JROTC instructor’s pay, but a preferred candidate could not be hired because the district’s salary schedule and bargaining agreements limit pay.
District staff said Groveport’s new JROTC program has secured substantial funding but is facing hiring constraints tied to the district salary schedule and collective‑bargaining terms.
The board was told the program is “considered fully funded” in that the district is receiving the maximum Army reimbursement that covers nearly half of each instructor’s salary. An initial senior instructor has been hired, but a second instructor required for the program did not accept an offer; staff said the candidate could not be matched financially because “our salary schedule doesn't allow that” and that Columbus’ schedule paid the candidate more. The board was told the candidate was “instrumental” in helping win funding and that he had worked with district staff to build the program.
Board members asked whether the district could create a separate classification (for example, an “army instructor” category) or treat the position as administrative to increase pay flexibility. Staff and the superintendent said they had tried to operate within the existing teacher contract and salary steps and that the contract’s provisions on years and steps constrained the district. Staff said the district will continue recruiting and has posted the position.
Why it matters: JROTC enrollment and the presence of qualified instructors determine whether the program can run. The board’s discussion highlighted a tradeoff: strict adherence to salary schedules avoids contract disputes but can limit the district’s ability to recruit specialized, highly paid candidates.
Details: Staff said a JROTC program must maintain specified minimum enrollment (a 10% eligible enrollment rate with a minimum of 100 students) to remain funded. The board was told instructors’ salaries are subject to the district salary schedule, which includes step increases for years of experience; staff said military experience was credited but the candidate’s existing pay could not be matched. Board members asked staff to continue external recruitment and to consider creative classifications if necessary.
Next steps: Human resources will continue recruitment and post the instructor vacancy; the board requested that staff explore options for compensation that remain consistent with bargaining agreements and report back.
