<B>HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD </B>-- About 20 parents and staff members from Hunter Army Airfield met with Dr. Thomas Lockamy, Savannah-Chatham County school superintendent, to discuss school-related topics that impact military children at Hunter Army Airfield at the Hunter Club, Jan. 14.
As a retired servicemember and a teacher, Lockamy said he understood the challenges military children have as transient students who change schools frequently. He showed his concern by answering questions from the parents who attended for about an hour.
"I like to hear questions first hand," he said. "As partners with the military, I want to work out concerns and extend my hand to show that the school district cares."
Some of those topics included the impact of Pulaski Elementary School's move onto Hunter Army Airfield in the near future; school choices and school districting; the school district's recent restructuring initiative at the high school level and how the separate schools of study affects military students once they move to a different school district.
The spouses who attended the question/answer forum seemed pleased with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Lockamy.
"The meeting proved that the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is willing to make an effort on behalf of the military Families stationed here," said Kelly Colbrook, wife of the 224th Military Battalion commander and a Family Readiness Group advisor. Dr. Lockamy responsed to all of our concerns and showed a real desire to resolve some key issues."
Heather Ramsey, the Hunter School Liaison officer, works closely with the Savannah-Chatham County school system to resolve problems that military children have within the school district.
She facilitated the meeting and distributed informational sheets with additional topics of concern that she wanted addressed - based on her interaction with Family Members. Two top concerns included the timely transfer of student records and developing systems to ease student transition, which were also addressed during the meeting.
"This exchange benefits us both," said Lt. Col. Jose Aguilar, Hunter Army Airfield commander, who said he plans to have these meetings at six-month intervals. "I thank him for the commitment that he's shown military Families. He's addressing their needs, and he encourages their participation at these meetings."
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