Dr. Bennett, superintendent, told the board he and staff met with the county fire chief to discuss a potential fire academy at DeSoto High School that would make use of facilities behind the Turner Center and a large classroom the district has identified as a vocational incubator.

Why it matters: the district said a fire academy could provide career-and-technical instruction and hands-on skills for high-school students, and leaders framed it as a workforce and student-success opportunity tied to the new high school opening.

Discussion and details: Bennett said the program is at the planning stage and that he, Dr. White, Jake and staff (including Kathy Severson and Chad) will continue discussions. He said the district could aim to offer the academy in the next school year or at the opening of the new high school.

Board response: members who have observed recent school “view visits” referenced the district’s push to expand vocational options and expressed support. No formal action or funding commitment was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps: district staff were asked to continue planning and coordination with the fire chief and to report back on program requirements, scheduling and facility readiness.