Marksmanship course proposed for Kennewick High JROTC program

Kennewick High School’s Air Force JROTC program wants to add a marksmanship program to its offerings, and that could mean a practice range on the high school’s grounds in the future.

District administrators proposed the idea to school board members at a recent meeting. No decision was made whether to move forward but the issue is expected to be considered by the board in late March.

The program would use air rifles for practice and competition, district and program officials said, and would operate with strict safety standards, including secure lockers for the firearms when not in use and requirements for which students would be allowed to participate.

“It would help draw students (to the JRTOC program),” said Assistant Superintendent Ron Williamson.

Kennewick High launched its JROTC, or Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, in fall 2014, starting with about 75 students. The program introduces students to aspects of military life and training, from drills and fitness, to lessons in leadership and history. Students who participate in JROTC are often offered incentives if they eventually join one of the branches of the military.

While some students have transferred to Kennewick High because of the JROTC program, enrollment dropped to 68 students this year. School officials said they need a minimum of 100 students in the next school year to maintain the Air Force’s sponsorship. Adding marksmanship could entice students to try out JROTC, as only those who have participated in the program for at least a year would be allowed to participate in the extracurricular activity.

Though firearms are generally forbidden on school grounds, state law does make exceptions for training programs connected to JROTC using air rifles. JROTC programs in Yakima and Walla Walla offer marksmanship.

Where Kennewick High’s cadets would practice is undetermined. The school is already crowded and requires several portable classrooms to meet demands for space, officials said.

“We’d have to find space at least temporarily but (a practice range) could be part of the remodel,” Williamson said. The district wants to remodel Kennewick High if voters approve a future bond measure that is in the planning stages.

The district wouldn’t foot the bill for the air rifles, as that’s something the Air Force or grants would pay for, said Lt. Col. Curtis Wichers, the unit’s lead instructor and officer.

“Over time, you build it up,” he said.

This story was originally published January 22, 2016 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Marksmanship course proposed for Kennewick High JROTC program."