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Fairfield parent urges wider ASVAB access, notes limits on JROTC transfers and dual-enrollment GPA pressures
Summary
A Fairfield District parent at the Nov. 13 public forum urged Henrico schools to expand access to the ASVAB career test and flagged limits on transferring to JROTC-hosting schools and concerns about dual-enrollment/AP course grade competition.
At the Henrico County School Board public forum on Nov. 13, resident Marlene Sherlock urged the division to broaden access to military-science-related resources and called for attention to pressures created by dual enrollment and AP-course GPA dynamics.
"My name is Marlene Sherlock, and our family lives in the Fairfield District," Sherlock said as she addressed the board. She noted that only three high schools currently lack a JROTC host program — Freeman, Glen Allen and Godwin — and explained that students seeking to attend a nearby JROTC program face two practical caveats: program and receiving-school leadership must approve transfers, and there must be available space at the destination school.
Sherlock recommended encouraging more students to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as a free career-exploration resource. "The test is free to students," she said, adding that the ASVAB is offered at least once a year and is not limited to JROTC cadets or students at the hosting school.
On dual enrollment and AP classes, Sherlock described what she called a "GPA arms race," noting that some students accumulate large amounts of dual-enrollment credit and AP-weighted grades, which can outsize recognition for students who do not pursue those tracks. "It is possible to have straight As, get your associate's degree first, and not be in the top 10% of your high school graduating class," she said, urging the board to continue expanding access to rigorous courses while being mindful of equity and student balance.
The public forum is a hearing opportunity; board members did not respond directly during the forum but staff follow-up was offered to speakers.
