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District moves forward with proposed EMT and fire pathway for DHS; public review held
Summary
Derby Public Schools presented a proposed EMT/fire pathway for Derby High School that would offer college credits and industry certification; the pathway requires senior-year double-block scheduling and minimum enrollment thresholds from partner colleges.
Derby administrators described a proposed pathway for Derby High School students that would combine EMT and fire‑science coursework with postsecondary credits and certification.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson said district staff met with WSU Tech and Butler Community College and local fire and EMS personnel to design a sequence meeting state pathway criteria. The plan includes introductory courses (law and public safety; introduction to emergency medical services), technical classes (EMT 1 and 2, first responder, Fire 1 and 2), and a work‑based learning component such as ride‑alongs or shadowing with local EMS/fire personnel. Putnam Jackson said students must be juniors and enter the senior year at age 17 so they are 18 when they finish and can sit for national certification exams.
Putnam Jackson outlined textbook and material costs quoted in the presentation: the EMT emergency-care textbook was listed at about $143.16 per student and the required fire‑text package at about $362.75 per student. She said partner colleges require classes to run with a minimum of 7–8 students and can enroll up to 18; the district discussed CTE Excel funds to offset tuition and costs for students and families.
Putnam Jackson said district staff held a public review Feb. 20; Derby firefighters, adjuncts from partner institutions and parents attended and expressed support. The board did not take action on Feb. 24; Putnam Jackson said the pathway will return to the board for formal adoption at a later meeting.
