Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Jrotc Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents, veterans and students urge Valley View board to save Romeoville JROTC program
Summary
Dozens of parents, veterans and students urged the Valley View CUSD 365U board to reverse a planned decommissioning of the Romeoville Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, offering letters of support, personal testimonials and recruitment proposals at the March 23 board meeting.
Dozens of parents, veterans and cadets packed public comment time at the March 23 Valley View CUSD 365U board meeting to plead for continued support of the Romeoville Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC/ROC).
The most emotional testimony came from current cadets and parents who said the program produced measurable benefits for students. “When I joined I was severely depressed,” said Cadet Alvarado, describing improved attendance, leadership and confidence since joining the program. Parent Luke Golki and others read letters of support from community organizations and alumni describing life changes tied to JROTC participation.
Why it matters: speakers framed the program as more than military instruction, citing attendance, graduation and behavior improvements, career readiness and community service ties. Joe Sutton of Fox Valley Marines said the unit “has maintained a positive and meaningful partnership” with Romeoville JROTC and urged the board to preserve the program.
Board reaction and context: Board members and administration acknowledged the concerns and said they are pursuing multiple avenues to keep the program viable. Superintendent Dr. Wood said the district would pursue advocacy and outreach, including contact with congressional delegations and exploring alternative funding and instructor support. “We’re going to do everything we can to...make sure the USMC provides us with instructors so we can keep the program viable,” Dr. Wood told the meeting.
What supporters said they can do: Speakers and letter-writers offered concrete steps — targeted recruitment, community partnerships, grant and federal funding exploration, and publicity — to increase enrollment. Parents and veterans described outreach already under way and asked the board to consider short-term measures while longer-term solutions are pursued.
What the board did not do: The board did not take a formal vote to reinstate or change the program at this meeting. Several board members met with parent advocates after prior meetings and encouraged continued collaboration; the superintendent said materials and letters collected that night would be used in advocacy efforts.
Next steps: Supporters asked for a clear district plan for sustaining JROTC, including timelines for recruitment and potential external funding. The board indicated it will continue conversations with district staff and community partners; no binding action was announced at adjournment.
