Johnson asks S.C. Governor for school of choice option for Fort Jackson children

By Mr. Christopher Fletcher (IMCOM)October 19, 2017

Governor1
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Do better for our children was the common theme from the eight commanders of each South Carolina military installation when they briefed the South Carolina Governor at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center Oct. 18.

The briefing, held annually by the South Carolina Military Base Task Force, provides the senior leaders of each installation the opportunity to engage Gov. Henry D. McMaster directly on issues where he can provide assistance.

"This is an important collaboration." McMaster said. "The best way to get things done is through collaboration, cooperation and communication."

Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commanding general, set the tone for the meeting asking for assistance providing better education opportunities for military children living on Fort Jackson.

"While the overall level of support Fort Jackson receives from this great state and our surrounding community is world class, I will draw your attention to one area which our Families bring to my attention on a regular basis: school choice," Johnson said.

He explained military families currently can choose to send their children to another school district, but there are significant challenges those families face, including a limited number of transfer slots or fees for Soldiers.

"For some of our more junior Soldiers, this is a significant burden that could be upwards of $5,000-12,000," Johnson said. "South Carolina could significantly improve the quality of life of our military families simply by allowing military children to attend public school of their choice -- without quotas or additional fees."

Col. Daniel Lasica, Shaw Air Force Base commander, also echoed Johnson's request for assistance on the education front, while Col. Jeffrey Nelson, Joint Base Charleston commander, requested assistance with off-post child care.

Fort Jackson has 143 high school students and 95 middle school students living on post and attending public schools in Columbia. Fort Jackson students are zoned for Richland Two School District.

Overall Fort Jackson enjoys a great relationship with the state and Johnson stated he wants this to continue as it has over the last 100 years.

"I believe our partnership is strong and we are proud to be part of the Fort Jackson-South Carolina team for the next 100 years and more," Johnson said.