Hundreds of speakers press San Francisco school board on JROTC after resolution withdrawn

San Francisco — The San Francisco Board of Education withdrew a proposed resolution on Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) at the start of its Nov. 13 meeting and opened the floor to public comment, prompting about an hour of testimony from students, parents, teachers, veterans and activists.

Dennis Kelly, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, told the board the district has not protected current JROTC instructors’ jobs or created credentials or reclassification to guarantee they would keep positions if the program were phased out. "There was a promise to our members that no one would lose a job because of this," Kelly said, and he warned that taking action during the winter break without a phase‑in plan would cause "chaos, confusion, and concern within the student bodies." (Dennis Kelly, public comment)

Supporters and opponents gave pointed testimony. Mike Bernick, co‑chair of Friends of JROTC, said administrators and many principals back the program and urged the board to listen to students; he said recent outreach produced more than 100 calls and emails in support. "The only thing I'd say is ... listen to the students," Bernick said. (Mike Bernick, Friends of JROTC)

Opponents argued JROTC functions as a military recruiting tool. Forrest Schmidt of the Answer Coalition said, "Anyone who tells you that Junior ROTC is not a recruiting tool for the military is dangerously misled or is lying," and linked recruitment pressures to the Iraq war's casualties. (Forrest Schmidt, Answer Coalition)

Students who identified themselves as current cadets said the program has helped them. "ROTC changed my life for the better," Raymundo Anthony, a four‑year ROTC graduate, said, describing scholarships and personal growth. Josephine, a cadet from George Washington High School, said removing JROTC would take opportunities away from 600 cadets at several schools and leave students "with nothing." (Student speakers)

Other speakers focused on costs and statutory limits. Peter Esmond, a parent, said the district spends "nearly $1,000,000 in taxes for JROTC" and questioned instructors' credentials and whether JROTC can substitute for physical education under California law. (Peter Esmond, parent)

President Mark Sanchez repeatedly reminded the room that the resolution had been withdrawn and was not on the table. He said the "original resolution, which was passed last November, stands, until and unless it is revised in the future." The board recessed briefly after the public comment period. (President Mark Sanchez)

What happens next: The board did not vote on a new JROTC resolution during the Nov. 13 meeting. Members indicated the issue will return to the board at a future meeting, and several speakers asked for more detailed plans and protections for instructors and students before any policy change.

Sources: Verbatim public comments recorded at the Nov. 13, 2007 board meeting and opening remarks from President Mark Sanchez.