The Hutto ISD board of trustees approved starting a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps at Hutto High School during its meeting April 11.

HISD has worked to initiate a JROTC unit for more than two years, but financial issues in the military departments stalled efforts to get any programs off the ground. While Hutto is on a waiting list for funding, it could be years before it receives any.

"For us to start the program with them paying for a portion of it, we had no idea when that could happen," said Emily Grobe. "The option we have is to have a self-funded unit, and then at some point they can come in."

The board considered and approved spending $175,000 to fully fund the program until it can receive additional funds from the military. The money will be spent to hire two instructors and pay for curriculum, supplies, equipment, travel, training and competition. When military funding does become available, it can pay for up to half of the unit's yearly costs.

"This cost will decline in year two [of the program] as the uniform and some of the other set up costs will fall, leaving mainly salaries and some recurring operational costs," the board proposal said.

Superintendent Doug Killian said the JROTC was a good alternative for students who want to be involved in their community but are not involved in extracurricular activities. The board agreed that the unit could also help students by providing them with career alternatives and legs up in the military if they decide to pursue service after high school.

"This is a great avenue for kids who can't afford [college]," Board Member Mike Drolette said.

Joining JROTC will be free for students and Killian said he hopes to have the program ready for the fall 2013 semester.