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Board member outlines plan to explore a First Responders Academy and announces scholarship
Summary
Board Member Betaida Garcia announced a new Education Foundation scholarship for first‑responder career pathways and said the district is exploring a First Responders Academy with county partners and potential dual‑enrollment options from ninth through 12th grade.
Board Member Betaida Garcia told the School District of Osceola County board on July 15 that the district is exploring creation of a First Responders Public Safety Academy and announced the inaugural Betaida Garcia First Responders Scholarship.
Why it matters: The proposed academy aims to create a pathway to public‑safety careers with dual‑enrollment opportunities beginning in 12th grade and program elements spanning ninth through 12th grades, the board member said. Garcia said district leadership has begun discussions with county and public‑safety partners, including the county manager and local chiefs.
Details and next steps: Garcia said the district will visit existing programs in other districts to identify best practices and evaluate potential host schools. She described the scholarship’s first recipient, Jessica Bliss, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement. Garcia said the initiative is still in the planning stages and that the next step is site visits and program design; no formal proposal or board action on program creation was presented at the meeting.
Discussion vs. decision: The board member framed the academy as exploratory and described outreach to county officials; there was no formal motion or vote to create the academy during the meeting.
Ending: Garcia asked the community to stay tuned for more information as the district continues visits and planning.
