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Public commenter urges White Plains schools to explore Junior ROC program; district says it’s on the long‑range plan
Summary
Charlotte Balsomi presented a petition asking the district to explore a Junior ROC program at White Plains High School; administrators said JROTC exploration is part of the long‑range plan and highlighted requirements including certified instructors and space considerations.
Charlotte Balsomi, a resident who identified herself during public comment on March 9, urged the White Plains Board of Education to explore establishing a Junior ROC program at White Plains High School and submitted a petition she said includes roughly 136 signatures.
Balsomi said the program would teach leadership, discipline, teamwork and civic engagement and stressed it is not a military recruitment program. "Junior ROC helps students build leadership, discipline, confidence, and a sense of responsibility while preparing them for college, careers, and service to their community," she said, and asked the board to "begin exploring the process of establishing an official Junior ROC unit at White Plains High School."
District presenters responded that bringing a JROTC‑style program is included in the long‑range plan and that staff have begun exploring requirements, including identifying an authorized officer or certified instructor, securing classroom and drill space, and meeting marksmanship and accessibility standards where applicable. Administrators said the district is coordinating with Department of Defense contacts and other districts that run similar programs to assess feasibility and resource needs.
Board members and staff praised Balsomi’s initiative and encouraged continued engagement with families and the community as the district evaluates next steps.
