Will Romeoville High School Cut its JROTC Program?

The fate of Romeoville High School's longtime Marine Corp JROTC program is in "serious jeopardy," according to a Valley View staff member. 

RHS Principal Derek Kinder has scheduled a town hall meeting Monday night to discuss the future of the program, which many parents and community members fear will soon come to an end. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the RHS auditorium. 

Last month, Romeoville High School faculty member GySgt. Rachele Miller (USMC Ret.) posted on Patch that her position was cut for the 2013-2014 school year. Maj. (USMC Ret.) Mark Placey, JROTC Unit Commander for RHS, does not plan to return in the fall. 

"This program has been a source of pride and distinction for the village since 1973 and has produced some of the finest young Americans out there in today's society," Miller wrote. "What does this mean to RHS and Romeoville in general?"

Valley View only pays for half of her salary, Miller said. The Department of Defense covers the rest. Bolingbrook has an Air Force program with three instructors in place and an enrollment base only slightly larger than that of RHS, according to Miller. 

More than 400 people have signed a petition asking Valley View to keep the program. 

Here's what one petitioner, Teresa Owens, wrote: 

"It is inconceivable to me that at a time in our country's history when we need to hear a call for a return to patriotism, basic core values and self discipline, that you would consider eliminating a program that teaches all of those very things. We all realize that times are hard and difficult decisions have to be made, but to eliminate a program that educates our children in what should be basic American values is just wrong!" 

Last month, RHS Senior Daniel Quan learned he had earned a highly-competitive, full four-year Navy ROTC scholarship to one of five midwest universities. 

Quan, whose older brother also participated in JROTC, told the Chicago Sun-Times he joined as a freshman because “(he) knew it was all about leadership education, and I wanted to become a better leader.”