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Plum High JROTC on probation as leaders urge board to boost enrollment
Summary
School JROTC instructors and cadets told the Plum Borough School District board on Jan. 14 that the program is on multi‑year probation because it falls below required enrollment thresholds; presenters asked board members to publicize the elective and highlighted the program’s community service and student outcomes.
Plum Borough School District officials and cadets told the school board on Jan. 14 that the district’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program is on probation because enrollment has fallen below the federal threshold that governs program status.
Colonel Noczak, JROTC instructor, said the program has been on probation for two years and that the U.S. Air Force required 100 cadets under the prior rule. “Each year on probation, the likelihood of shutting down increases,” he said, adding that a recent change in the National Defense Authorization Act offers “a slight glimmer of hope” but that local enrollment must rise to preserve the elective.
Why it matters: JROTC leaders asked the board to help clarify what the class is and is not — emphasizing repeatedly that it is an elective focused on leadership, citizenship and fitness, not a military recruiting program — and to help the district recruit students so the program crosses the statutory enrollment threshold and remains in place.
Program leaders and cadets described concrete benefits and local service. Colonel Noczak told the board that “we do about a thousand hours of community service every year with just 60‑some cadets,” listing Toys for Tots, Veterans Day activities and parking for home football games among frequent duties. Cadets who spoke at the podium credited JROTC with building confidence, leadership and practical skills. “JROTC really built my confidence,” said Cadet Sweeny, a student speaker. Another cadet said the program had raised his mile time from about 13 minutes to 6 minutes, 17 seconds.
Board response and next steps: Board members and district administrators expressed support and promised outreach. Doctor Anderson, presiding board member, and other board members said they would promote the program and explore ways to better publicize its schedule and compatibility with sports and other activities. The board did not vote on a new policy or funding during the Jan. 14 meeting; presenters asked the board to help get the word out to parents and students and noted that cadets already participate in open houses and middle‑school visits.
Costs, staffing and operational notes: Militancy concerns were repeatedly rejected by presenters; they said JROTC is an elective with college and career benefits. Cadet speakers described program logistics such as inventory responsibilities (one cadet said he inventories “over $80,000 worth of equipment”) and scheduling of leadership activities.
What’s next: Presenters asked the board to publicize JROTC slots, encourage middle‑school outreach and confirm that students may join JROTC while participating in athletics and other extracurriculars. The board said it will share program information in newsletters, at open houses and in school communications to help boost enrollment.
