School liaison officer eases transition

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  • By Staff Report
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When military families permanently change stations there are many things to do; move in, process units, learn to navigate the new base and adjust to a new office. With all the tasks to complete thinking about enrolling children in school adds to Airmen's already full plate. 

This is where the school liaison officer can assist you. 

Theresa Marvin is Barksdale's SLO and she works to level the playing field for transitioning military children by building installation, school and community partnerships. 

The SLO advocates for military families with school age children by working with Bossier and Caddo school districts to address unique educational needs. 

"I contacted the School Liaison Office because I wanted someone to voice my concern about the bathroom doors at my daughter's school," said Charlotte Hikes, 2d Force Support Squadron. "The SLO said they would look into my concern and a couple weeks later they contacted me to let me know that the doors had been replaced. I really appreciated the quick response time and the fact that they contacted me to let me know the status. 

"I was very pleased with my experience with the SLO and recommend anyone with an issue or concern with their child's school to contact the SLO," she added. 

Some examples that arise for school age children as a result of military lifestyle are deployment issues, curriculum changes, sport team criteria, harassment, social awkwardness and graduation requirements. The SLO helps solve these issues. 

A partnership between the SLO and the parents and faculty is integral as well.
"If parents are interested in becoming more involved, we have the Barksdale Community Education Partnership," said Ms. Marvin. 

The BCEP is a committee of volunteers that work collaboratively with the SLO which supports parents and school faculty with the ultimate goal of achieving a quality education in a safe environment for military children in the Barksdale community. 

"We are here to build a relationship between the base and Bossier/Caddo schools through the BCEP," said Jim Merryman, education services officer for the base, during a recent education event. "We also want to improve mentorship with tutors and volunteers as a way of cementing that relationship." 

For more information about the BCEP, or to volunteer, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 456-8400.