Number of USFK school-age children on the rise

[unhappycamper]

Number of USFK school-age children on the rise
By Jimmy Norris, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Friday, March 20, 2009

SEOUL — As the number of command-sponsored families in South Korea continues to climb, U.S. Forces Korea officials are working on how they will handle the expected increase in school-age children.

According to USFK spokesman Dave Palmer, the number of command sponsorships for military families is expected to more than double next fiscal year, from the current 2,135 to 4,350. Palmer said the "desired end state" is 14,250 command-sponsored families in South Korea, though he didn’t say when that would be reached.

The command is playing close to the vest any plans for accommodating additional Department of Defense Dependents Schools students.

"We are working with (Department of Defense Education Activity) and also the Ministry of Education on various ideas and initiatives," Palmer said in an e-mail to Stars and Stripes on Tuesday. Stripes first queried the command about its plans several weeks ago.

When asked what initiatives it was considering and how the Korean Ministry of Education was involved, Palmer said only that "we are still in the planning stages for these initiatives."


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=61450