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District puts JROTC discussion on hold pending leadership stability

Middletown School District Curriculum Committee · January 13, 2026
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Summary

The curriculum committee was updated that the district will pause active pursuit of a JROTC program at Middletown High School until school leadership stabilizes and facility and budget questions are resolved.

Colleen Fitzpatrick updated the curriculum committee on the district's prior exploration of bringing a JROTC program to Middletown High School. She said the district is not abandoning the idea but is pausing active work while the high school operates with an interim principal and the superintendent role is interim.

"I do not want the committee to think that we are not moving forward with what we said we would do," Fitzpatrick said, but she added that "this program does require the use of space both indoor and outdoor at the high school, as well as a sincere commitment and dedication to the work that would be involved if we fill out the application and we are approved." Fitzpatrick said she is waiting for Dr. Brooks to return to the high school before resuming detailed planning.

She said the district plans to convene the same members who previously discussed JROTC and to ask further questions about facilities, staffing and budget when leadership is in place. Committee members expressed support for waiting for stability and for gathering more information when appropriate.

Next steps: staff will revisit the JROTC conversation after the district restores permanent leadership and will present updated facility and budget information to the committee at that time.