New AFSVC school liaison division aims to further improve support for dependent education

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –

DAF School Liaison Program The Air Force Services Center recently established a division and regional school liaisons to oversee processes and programs regarding Pre-K-12 education. School Liaison Program managers also oversee Military Interstate Children’s Compact compliance, which provides the opportunity to accept similar course work that was completed at the previous school. In addition to public, private and parochial schools, this includes special education, homeschool, non-Department of Defense public schools on military installations, Department of Defense Education Activity, host nation schools, and military and family life counseling programs. (U.S. Air Force Graphic)

The Air Force Services Center recently established a division and regional school liaisons to oversee processes and programs regarding Pre-K-12 education.

In addition to public, private and parochial schools, this includes special education, homeschool, non-Department of Defense public schools on military installations, Department of Defense Education Activity, host nation schools, and military and family life counseling programs.

"Our new division and recently appointed regional school liaisons play a pivotal role in bridging the connection between AFSVC and senior installation leaders, addressing a spectrum of issues related to Pre-K-12 education, public schools on military installations, and military and family life counseling programs," said Col. Carolyn Ammons, AFSVC commander. "Enhancing our responsiveness to community Pre-K-12 education concerns is a constant endeavor, as the well-being and support of our families, both on and off base, are integral to our mission readiness."

School Liaison Program event School Liaison Program events like this from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., provide resources educate local school districts about the stressors and transitions military families face during PCS moves. The Air Force Services Center recently established a division and regional school liaisons to oversee processes and programs regarding Pre-K-12 education. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Charles Rivezzo)

Support for quality education has been a quality-of-life focus for the Department of the Air Force for more than a decade because of its impact on readiness and retention for Airmen, Guardians and families. The new division supports this focus by fostering collaboration, communication and support between schools and the communities they serve, as well as supporting command teams, educators and military-connected families through targeted, intentional support, said Lori Phipps, AFSVC School Liaison Program Division chief.

“The changes represent a significant step forward, elevating a proactive approach and signifying that Pre-K-12 education is important,” Phipps said. “It also provides a unified team to maximize resources, leverage efficiencies and acknowledge the uniqueness of the Department of the Air Force’s School Liaison Program components.”

Regional school liaisons are divided into five regions for cross collaboration with the Office of Secretary of Defense - Defense State Liaison Office:

East: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and West Virginia

Central: Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin

West: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming

Pacific: Pacific Air Forces installations and communities

School Liaison Program ensures our children’s education needs are met School Liaison Program managers like Katarina Pisini, 31st Force Support Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, discusses the program with a parent and provides a pamphlet information. The school liaison program manager is the primary point of contact for all pre-K through 12th grade school related matters, the Air Force Services Center recently established a division and regional school liaisons to oversee processes and programs regarding Pre-K-12 education. Managers are advocates for the needs of military students, connects families to educational resources, provides educational options and networking opportunities, and is the liaison between the base, the schools and the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jessica Blair)

Europe: U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations and communities

The regional representatives, with support from the new division, “allows us to provide targeted, individualized support to installation communities and make a real impact,” Phipps said.

"Differences in local demographics, installation missions and community characteristics significantly impact school liaison functions, and each state department of education manages Pre-K-12 education, making each community unique,” Phipps said.

For more on the regional and installation school liaison programs, connect with Phipps or email afsvc.daf.slo@us.af.mil.