Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Programs Jrotc topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
William Penn JROTC asks for continued support; board says funding limited this year
Summary
Colonel Howard and other stakeholders urged continued investment in William Penn High School's JROTC program during public comment; board members and the superintendent said the program is valued but budget priorities constrained expansion this year.
Colonel Howard, representing the William Penn High School JROTC program, asked the York City School District board on April 16 how the program fits district strategic priorities and what resources will be available for its continuation and expansion.
The superintendent and board members said they value the program and its student outcomes but that this year's budget priorities focused on classroom instruction and special-population supports. "No now just means not right now," Dr. Berry told Colonel Howard, adding that the district would seek grant and private funding opportunities and try to support the program in future budget cycles.
Colonel Howard described JROTC activities that include leadership, civic education, robotics and career development and said a budget and concept plan for program expansion had been drafted. Board members and the finance chair praised the program's contributions to students and the community. The board noted that one instructor position would be posted and that, as of now, the program may have a single instructor in the fall unless additional funding or hires are secured.
Why this matters: JROTC provides extracurricular and leadership pathways for students at William Penn High School. The board signaled support for the program's continuation while indicating that district funds were prioritized to address instructional and special education needs in the 2025-26 proposal.
What the board and staff said - Dr. Berry: emphasized the program's positive role and said the administration did not intend to cut JROTC; funding for expansion simply was not available in this budget cycle. - Colonel Howard: requested clarity on continued support and noted a drafted budget and concept plan for program growth. - Board members: expressed appreciation for the program and pledged to look for supplemental funding and grant opportunities.
Next steps The district will post the instructor position and said it will explore grant and donor opportunities to support longer-term program expansion. Board members indicated they would revisit resource requests in future budget cycles if revenue allows.
Ending: Board members reiterated that JROTC is a valued program and said the immediate limitation was fiscal, not programmatic.
