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Elizabethtown board votes to discontinue Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program
Summary
The Elizabethtown Area School District board voted 8–1 to discontinue the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps program beginning in the 2027–28 school year after debate over enrollment counts and program costs of about $144,000–$145,000 per year.
The Elizabethtown Area School District board voted 8–1 to discontinue the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) program beginning in the 2027–28 school year, citing long-term financial concerns and questions about sustainability.
The motion to end the program was made by Mr. Lindamuth and seconded by Mrs. Bazerian. During discussion board members reviewed enrollment trends, how the Navy counts students for potential funding, and the program’s annual cost, which speakers and documents cited at roughly $144,000–$145,000 a year. Mr. Lindamuth said the district was “well below where we need to be” for Navy cost-sharing and noted that the Navy would only fund part of a second instructor if enrollment grew sufficiently.
Supporters of the program told the board the NNDCC offered leadership, discipline and community service. Jason Hoover, a Marine Corps veteran and parent, said his son benefited from “discipline, accountability, confidence, and teamwork,” and described the program as producing skills useful whether students enter college, the military or the workforce.
Board members who voted to discontinue the program described a cost–benefit calculation. One trustee said rising capital and operational pressures — and the end of certain federal relief funds — altered the district’s fiscal context since the program was approved several years ago. Trustees also described enrollment accounting that double-counted students across semesters and noted that most of the upper-level NNDCC classes had small rosters.
The board discussed alternatives such as a community-run Junior ROTC-style club, volunteer-led activities, or sending interested students to programs at neighboring schools; members urged administration to explore options during the coming year so students enrolled for 2026–27 would not lose access immediately.
The motion passed on a roll-call vote: eight in favor, one opposed. The district will discontinue the formal NNDCC program after the 2026–27 year, allowing time for transition planning and for administrators and community partners to consider replacement activities.
Next steps: The board asked administration to report on possible club models, recruitment and volunteer support options, and any partner-school opportunities during the coming year.
