During last night’s PUSD Governing Board meeting, Brigadier General James Gabrielli, director of the California Military Department’s Youth and Community Programs, communicated to board members about the 2018-19 California state budget proposed by Governor Jerry Brown where Porterville Unified School District is expected to receive $2.4 million towards the Porterville Military Academy.
Brigadier General Gabrielli stated that funds will be utilized towards 11 staff members to teach in the academy, along with uniforms, supplies and materials, for students.
“We are very appreciative of the efforts of Governor Brown and his staff to help our students,” PUSD Superintendent Dr. Ken Gibbs said. “We believe the Porterville Military Academy will be a tremendous addition not only for our district, but for our community.”
The Porterville Military Academy is scheduled to open in August for the start of the 2018-19 school year as part of the PUSD Pathways program. As the district’s 14th Open Choice Pathway, the PMA will provide realistic applied leadership challenges in a rigorous academic setting to mold students to be model, civic-minded, professionals that are tomorrow’s public service, business and civic leaders. As a charter school, the PMA will be able to provide free transportation for students.
The first PMA class includes incoming 7th, 8th and 9th grade students as the academy will eventually educate students from grades 7-12.