Union County board approves second JROTC instructor after students, veterans and instructors urge retention

The Union County Board of School Trustees voted Nov. 24 to hire a second instructor for the county high school’s JROTC program after multiple public commenters and school leaders warned the program could lose accreditation without a second certified instructor.

R.J. Sanders, a 2020 graduate and former battalion commander, told the board the program “equipped me for leadership, college and life” and urged trustees to view the position as “an investment” rather than a simple payroll cost. Larry Goff, a retired Air Force colonel and 25-year resident, said Army guidance is mandatory for program retention and urged the board to “do everything necessary” to keep the JROTC program.

Superintendent (speaking as temporary chair) presented enrollment and compliance data and recommended hiring a second instructor paired with a recruitment action plan. The superintendent said fall enrollment was 33 cadets, with spring enrollment currently at 36, while Army Cadet Command has verified that the district needs at least 50 cadets per semester for its staffing expectations. The superintendent also noted the Army reimburses up to 50% of an instructor’s salary, reducing the net cost to the district.

Following the presentation and public comment, the board moved to hire a second JROTC instructor; the motion, moved by Mr. Truit and seconded by Mr. Jeter, passed on a roll-call vote with the trustees recorded as voting yes in the published roll call.

Why it matters: Army Cadet Command requires two certified instructors for a fully accredited JROTC program; failure to meet staffing standards can lead to probation or loss of authorization, which speakers said would reduce opportunities for students who participate in the program’s leadership, service and college-preparation activities.

What the board recorded: The motion to hire a second instructor was introduced during the superintendent’s recommendation and adopted by roll call. Trustees asked staff to implement a recruitment and accountability action plan intended to raise enrollment and measure progress.

Board and public remarks: “By hiring a second instructor, you are investing in the students,” R.J. Sanders said. Mary Reeves, who outlined staffing requirements from Army Cadet Command, told trustees the two-instructor requirement is not optional and that “Cadet Command can revoke a school’s JROTC authorization if it cannot maintain two certified instructors.”

Next steps: The superintendent said staff will implement the recruitment action plan and measure enrollment progress. The board’s formal approval authorizes district staff to proceed with hiring and to report back on implementation and recruitment metrics.

Provenance: The public comment urging retention of the program began with R.J. Sanders and was followed by veteran and instructor testimony; the board’s motion and roll-call approval occurred later in the meeting after the superintendent’s recommendation.