High school JROTC program on back burner due to cost

Approval for an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Program at Maricopa High School came before the MUSD governing board at Wednesday’s meeting.

Terms of the five-year agreement include maintaining a minimum cadet enrollment of 100 physically fit students in the 9th grade or above who would wear the prescribed uniform a minimum of one day per week, abiding by the Air Force standards for correct uniform wear.

An Aerospace Science department would be established to teach the required three-year AFJROTC course of studies, consisting of at least 120 classroom hours of instruction per year. All classes would receive credit applicable to high school graduation requirements.

In turn, the school would provide classroom space, a drill area in the immediate vicinity, storage facilities, text materials and access to the Internet. Faculty would consist of one retired Air Force officer and one non-commissioned officer.

“This is something we’re really excited about,” said MUSD Superintendent Jeff Kleck. “Unfortunately, it comes at an inopportune time for us.”

The drawback to the program is funding, according to Kleck. “The district’s cost would be about $50,000.” He termed JROTC a “great program,” which would improve graduation rates.

Board members agreed with the superintendent’s suggestion to approve the program, but only if funding becomes available.

The program was originally scheduled to begin in January at MHS.

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