DeSoto schools consider fire academy at DeSoto High to expand vocational options

District leaders are exploring a fire‑academy program at DeSoto High School to give students vocational training tied to local workforce needs, Superintendent Dr. Bennett said at the school board meeting. Dr. Bennett said he met with the local fire chief and that facilities behind the Turner Center and a large classroom identified as a vocational incubator could host a fire‑academy class. He said district staff — including Jake, Dr. White, Miss Everson and Kathy Severson — will be involved in further planning. “There’s a need in our community, so we’re excited about that,” Dr. Bennett said, adding that the program could start as early as next school year and that it could open with the new high school. Board members described classroom observations and curriculum work as linked to this and other improvement efforts. The district said planning will continue and that staff will return to the board with details about curriculum, scheduling, facility needs and any partnership agreements with the fire department. Next steps: staff will coordinate with the fire chief and present a more detailed plan, including any facility changes and start‑up logistics, for board consideration.