GEORGETOWN, S.C. — Charles Holloway was not a happy man when his 9th grade son who attends Carvers Bay High told him he was being forced to take part in the school’s Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program.

However, school officials said the replacement of Physical Education with ROTC for the freshman class is part of the Ninth Grade Academy and parents can have their child opt out.

Holloway spoke to the Georgetown Times Friday about his concern.

He said he was first told about the required program on July 28 while registering his son for the new school year.

“When I informed the Principal (Richard Neal) that my son and myself had no interest in the ROTC program, I was told that the decisions had been made and there was nothing that could be done,” Holloway said.

Neal says the idea to replace PE with ROTC was made after he read studies that indicate students who participate in such leadership-based programs are less likely to drop out and will graduate.

Holloway said he contacted the State Board of Education and was told a mandatory ROTC program would not replace PE. However, the state does allow ROTC to replace PE if a student chooses that option.

On Aug. 2, Holloway received a call from Neal who said his son would not have to participate in the ROTC program.

“Having thought this was the outcome my son and I both wanted, I was glad that we took a stand against not having a choice,” he said.

However, when school began Wednesday, Holloway was surprised when he learned the alternative his son was given. Instead of taking ROTC, his son is in a “Career Skills” class alone with a teacher, he said.

“Where are the other children who may have not chosen ROTC?,” Holloway said he wonders. “Why is my son the only one” Is it possible that no one else knows that ROTC is not mandatory?”

Neal says the feedback he has received so far has been positive but adds the alternative class is available if any other parents do not want their child in the ROTC program.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com