"Why must this career choice be offered to students before they've had a chance to embrace life?" demanded board chairwoman Shelley Harding-Smith, one of only two committee members to oppose the program.

But trustee Tom Kilpatrick said he sees nothing wrong with it at all.

"It's not a war issue," he said. "It's not a militarization issue. It's a co-op program that our students may or may not choose to take."

The committee held their vote after hearing opinions from 14 delegations.

Representatives of local peace groups, pastors of five Mennonite churches and the human rights committee of CAW Local 200 urged the board to cancel the program.

Meanwhile, supporters of the program included Susan Moroz, vice-principal of Forest Glade elementary school, who credited her life's work to 20 years in the reserves.

"Any success I've had today is directly attributable to my experience as a military officer."

Director of education Mary Jean Gallagher said public comment had been received over the course of five board meetings, and the committee's vote on Wednesday was final.

"The trustees recognized this is an option that is available for students who are in Grade 12 and in their final year of high school. And, as our own student trustee said, we believe students and parents are capable of making wise and appropriate choices."