WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – -- The School Liaison Program recently hosted 18 local school superintendents from surrounding districts for a tour of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The event aimed to discuss common challenges and explore opportunities for military-connected students.
Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, welcomed the group at the Wright-Patterson Club with opening remarks.
“This gathering today is a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring that every child, especially those from military families, has the resources and support they need to succeed,” Richards said. “I’m excited to continue building these partnerships and working together to provide the best educational experience possible for our students."
Wright-Patt’s School Liaison Program serves as the primary link between the installation and local public schools, facilitating better communication and support for military families. With a significant military presence in the area, the program helps address the unique needs of military-connected students and families within the local educational system.
“We understand the challenges military families face, especially during transitions, and it’s our goal to make those transitions as smooth as possible,” said Shatila Smith, School Liaison Program manager.
Military-connected students often face numerous and complex challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the transition process, where students must adjust to new school systems, curricula, and educational requirements. These transitions can disrupt their education, making it more difficult for students to adapt.
A significant focus was also placed on ensuring that local schools are equipped with the tools and resources needed to identify and support military-connected students. In addition to these challenges, students may experience difficulties when transferring documents like 504 Plans, for students with disabilities, or Individualized Education Plans. These documents, which provide additional educational support, often need modification as students move from state to state, leading to potential delays and confusion.
One key component of this process is the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission, which helps facilitate the transition of military children between school systems. The commission ensures that military-connected students can continue their education smoothly, even if they must move frequently due to military assignments. This includes provisions such as allowing military children to participate in extracurricular activities like sports, even if they miss tryouts due to a Permanent Change of Station move.
In addition to discussing challenges, the group explored various solutions to enhance support for military families, including job shadowing, internships, and increased STEM opportunities. Representatives from the National Math and Science Initiative shared how school districts can take advantage of grants to improve math and science education, furthering the goal of preparing students for a variety of career paths.
“We want to help students build skills that prepare them for the future, whether that’s through higher education, military service, or entering the workforce,” said Andrea Edmonds, School Liaison Program manager.
After a series of briefings, superintendents embarked on a windshield tour of Wright-Patt, offering them a unique opportunity to view key facilities and gain a firsthand understanding of the base’s operations.
The tour included a stop at the Family Readiness Center in Building 2, where attendees were introduced to the wide range of resources available to support military families and their students, from educational assistance to family support services. This hands-on experience allowed the superintendents to better understand how the base's services align with the needs of military-connected families.
“As the footprint of military families continues to expand, it’s essential to maintain open dialogue between schools, the base, and local communities,” Smith said. “By fostering these relationships, WPAFB and local school districts are paving the way for military-connected children to thrive academically and socially.
As military families relocate, the educational system becomes an anchor, providing stability and a sense of belonging. The collaboration between the base and local schools strengthens this support network, making transitions smoother for students and their families.
As a parent with children in the local schools, I understand the importance of building strong relationships with our educators,” said Col. Sean Brazel, 88th Mission Support Group commander. “It’s our job to provide the resources and tools to help identify military-connected students, especially those with special needs or unique circumstances. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring our military families feel supported both on and off the base.”