The following statement was released Friday by Henry County Superintendent Dennis Coe in regard the freezing of funds in the Naval ROTC program:

There has been an agreement struck between myself and Major Danny Odom, Senior Naval Science Officer for the Headland High School NJROTC in regard to ROTC funds which have been frozen.

According to Major Odom, the Department of the Navy will fully reimburse the system for a Spring Trip which was being planned for the cadets. Major Odom has agreed to submit this reimbursement to the Board to help defer costs incurred for instructors this year.

The Spring Trip(a 4 day retreat to Wild Adventures) was decreased to eliminate time away from school.

Originally, plans were for students to miss school on Thursday and Friday, then continue the stay through Sunday. The Board does not approve trips for any other group at school if they have no educational value and they take away from educational time at school.

Major Odom graciously accepted the terms of this agreement and has agreed to rely on parent contributions to assist with any additional costs of the Military Ball.

Currently, $2,500 remains to be expended for this Military Ball. It has never been the intent of myself or the Board to punish any of the cadets in our NJROTC units.