School board considers cutting program to save money as budget crisis looms
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, CoatesvilleTimes.com
At least 89 Coatesville High School students face the loss of their Air Force ROTC program as the Coatesville Area School District looks for cost-saving measure to close a budget gap.
COATESVILLE – Concerned students, residents and parents spoke out at Tuesday’s school board meeting in favor of keeping the district’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
The board is considering cutting the ROTC program in order save approximately $157,000. According to Board President J. Neil Campbell the board has until the last day of school to make any decisions that involve laying off employees. The last day of school for teachers is June 11, but Campbell hopes to hold a special meeting on June 12 to discuss the budget.
I’d like to wait until the last minute…I don’t want to act prematurely and over budget,” said Campbell.
Parent Safiya Edwards informed the board that they must notify the U.S. Air Force by Jun. 1 if they plan to cut the program. Edwards and other concerned residents hope to start fundraising efforts to save the program, but need to know what the board’s final decision will be.
“Will you give us the time to seek the necessary funding?” said Edwards. “The deadline for terminating this program is June 1st. If you’re going to cut it out for next year we need to know ASAP.”
According to Edwards, Coatesville’s program has put in approximately 4,000 hours of community service this year, 40 percent above the national average. She also stated that the program has received recognitions and awards numerous times and is in the top 10 percent of Air Force Junior ROTC programs across the nation.
“We need more time to preserve a program that each of you has clearly acknowledged brings tremendous value to the school, the students, the district and the community,” said Edwards.
There are currently 113 students enrolled in the program and 89 students signed up for next year. According to ROTC instructor Andrew Kraft, more than 1,900 students have gone through the program throughout its 35 years of existence. Kraft said that ROTC program develops professionalism, courage and confidence, students are encouraged by instructors and one another to develop leadership skills and cultivate an interest in community service.
“I’m not going to bore you with a lot of details, but we’re the nudge, we’re the cheerleader, we’re the mentor,” said Kraft. “This cadet corps is what it’s all about…these students are your future.”
