For military families like ours, education is an essential component of our children's well-being. Military life poses unique challenges, and ensuring that our children receive consistent and high-quality education is paramount. This is why we need the Expanded Eligibility Program (EEP) implemented at Elliott Elementary School and Charles F. Bolden Elementary Middle School.

The Expanded Eligibility Program (EEP) is crucial for several reasons:

1. Promotes School Choice for Military Families: By implementing the EEP, families are empowered with greater educational options, allowing them to select the best learning environment for their children. EEP ensures that military families, whether or not they live in on-base housing,  benefit from DOWEA's strong academic standards and expanded educational opportunities not otherwise afforded in local public schools. 

2. Ensures the Viability of Local DOWEA Schools: Maintaining sustainable enrollment levels is essential for the long-term viability of Charles F. Bolden Elementary Middle School and Elliott Elementary School. Expanded eligibility will help stabilize enrollment, preserve staffing, and maintain program offerings that benefit all students. 

3. Proven Success of the EEP Pilot Program: The Expanded Eligibility Program has already shown positive outcomes in participating locations: Dahlgren, Fort Jackson, Maxwell Air Force Base or Gunter Annex, and MCB Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River. The benefits include increased enrollment stability, enhanced academic opportunities, and strengthened community ties. Expanding the EEP builds on a tested model rather than introducing unproven policy. 

4. Strengthening the TriCommand Military Community: Schools are the heart of any community and play a significant role in strengthening the bonds within military families, contributing to a cohesive and supportive environment. Ensuring the continued operation and success of local DOWEA schools like Elliott Elementary and Charles F. Bolden Elementary Middle School is essential in maintaining the educational stability for our military children in the Tricommand Area.

5. Military Retention and Readiness: EEP supports military retention by alleviating educational concerns, allowing service members to focus on their duties without worrying about their children's schooling; thus, supporting overarching military missions and family stability. 

Let's rally together for our military children and advocate for the implementation of the Expanded Eligibility Program at Elliott Elementary School and Charles F. Bolden Elementary Middle School. Together, we can support our local DOWEA schools and ensure our military children have the chance to thrive in their unique circumstances. 

Your signature can make a difference. Sign this petition to bring the Expanded Eligibility Program to our schools and support our military families.