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Watchung Hills student urges board to explore Army JROTC; board refers research to committee
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Summary
A Watchung Hills sophomore presented a petition of more than 100 students seeking an Army JROTC program; board members expressed support and Dr. Jewett said staff will research requirements for a committee discussion in January or February.
A Watchung Hills Regional High School District student on Tuesday urged the board to consider establishing an Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program, presenting a petition he said drew support from more than 100 peers.
Charlie Ford, a sophomore, told the board that a local JROTC program would offer students leadership training and pathways into military academies and service careers. He said the program can raise physical fitness, academic performance and graduation rates while reducing disciplinary problems, and that he has been in contact with a North Plainfield JROTC director who offered assistance.
Board members voiced general support for studying the idea. “Mr. Sabino is looking into the requirements so that we can talk about it at a committee meeting, probably in January or February,” Superintendent Dr. Jewett said, directing staff to gather information rather than taking immediate action.
The board did not vote to create a JROTC program at the meeting. Instead, the request was referred for staff research and discussion at a future committee meeting; any formal proposal, funding plan or implementation timeline would come later if the committee recommends moving forward.
Next steps: staff research to identify district obligations, cost estimates and certification requirements, with a committee-level discussion anticipated in January or February.
