iWatch panel discussion: Worsening conditions at military base schools

Introduction

After 10 years of war, are we neglecting the sons and daughters of U.S. military personnel? Is the decrepit shape of many of their schools adding to the strains they already feel from parents who are absent for many months if not years of their lives? Who should be responsible for the educational needs of military kids?

These questions were at the heart of iWatch News reporter Kristen Lombardi’s latest investigation into the worsening conditions of schools on U.S. military installations. On Tuesday, July 5th, Lombardi discussed her findings and their implications in a live panel discussion with readers.

Joining Lombardi on the panel was Joyce Raezer, executive director of the National Military Family Association; Ronald Walker, superintendent of Geary County Public Schools, which serve schools on the Fort Riley post in Kansas; and Norman Heitzman, former assistant schools superintendent for South Carolina-Fort Stewart-Cuba District, Department of Defense schools, which serve schools on Fort Stewart, in Georgia.

Replay the full transcript of the conversation below. If you have questions about the chat, or our investigation, you can tweet them to @iWatch using the hashtag #dodschools, or post them in the comments below.