Parents urge Valley View board to reconsider planned closure of Romeoville High School Marine Corps JROTC

Parents and students urged the Valley View CUSD 365U Board of Education on Feb. 23 to reverse a recent decision to decommission the Romeoville High School Marine Corps JROTC program, saying the program provides structure, leadership and improved school engagement.

"This program changed how she sees herself," parent Jackie Gail told the board during public comment, describing her daughteras a once-shy student who became a platoon commander and whose attendance and confidence improved. Priscilla Picci, speaking on behalf of cadets, said the teams qualified for nationals despite limited funding and asked, "Why did just six cadets wreck a whole program?"

Speakers detailed the programbenefits: leadership development, community service and opportunities to compete nationally. Nicole Gomez Alaniz, a former educator, pressed the board for the data and decision-making process that led to decommissioning and asked why parents and cadets were not given an action plan to preserve the program.

Board members and district leadership responded that they strongly support keeping JROTC but do not make the final certification decision. President Quigley said the district has advocated for the program and will "do what we can do to make this happen," while Dr. Wood explained the U.S. Marine Corps command sets minimum enrollment and instructor-availability rules and that the decision rested with the military, not solely with the board.

District officials acknowledged they have received "grace" from the service for several years but said certification requires meeting command standards. Dr. Wood told parents the administration will continue to engage with the command and with parents to explore options. HR staff said the March 9 board meeting will include staffing discussions, after which the district will review internal candidates and post any openings.

Parents asserted concrete points: the program recently produced students selected for national competition, fundraised without booster support, and included only six cadets short of a threshold cited by the district. Board members asked the community to provide documentation and attend follow-up meetings; parents said they will continue outreach and advocacy.

The board did not take formal action on the program at the Feb. 23 public session; Dr. Wood and President Quigley said further conversations with the U.S. Marine Corps command and parents are expected.

Next steps: the district will continue discussions with the military command, hold staffing discussions March 9, and follow up with parents about data and options to maintain the program.