Buhack Colony High showcases expanded public safety pathway and student successes

At a Merced Union High School District board meeting at Buhack Colony High School, public safety teacher Alex Deetsz presented the school—s expanding public safety pathway and described course work, certifications and partnerships that she says give students industry-aligned skills.

Deetsz told trustees the pathway consists of three courses: Intro to Public Service, an advanced course that will be listed as "Criminal Investigations" starting fall 2026, and a Criminal Justice capstone. She said the capstone is a CCAP dual-enrollment course with Merced College, with students earning three college units per semester toward an associate degree.

"My name is Alex Deetsz and I teach public safety here at Buhack Colony High School," Deetsz said in her presentation. She described units in the program (ethics, professionalism, report writing, evidence collection and forensic photography) and said the course sequence is being aligned with LAPSSON standards to prepare students for recognized industry certifications.

Deetsz outlined certifications and training opportunities tied to the pathway, including basic crime scene investigator skills, 911 communications, national law enforcement certification, incident command system (ICS) training and first aid/CPR. She also said staff are pursuing internships and local partnerships, naming potential placements with the Merced County Sheriff—s Office and Merced College and noting that the program will host the Bob Luna Explorer Competition in March 2026.

Several students who participate in the pathway told the board how the program influenced their plans. "I really enjoy everything that we do from going on field trips and learning everything that we do here," said Jamie, a senior who credited the class with helping her decide to join the National Guard. Sophomore Giana said the program helped her learn report writing and courtroom procedures; sophomore Addison Fawn said report writing had improved her English skills; ninth-grader Nadia Ziller said the class helped her understand jurisdiction and agency roles.

Trustees asked Deetsz about how many freshman classes she teaches and whether past students can be tracked. Deetsz said she currently teaches four intro classes and has not yet had a cohort complete all three courses; she said the pathway provides students with Crim 2 and Crim 3 exposure and internship opportunities that aim to give students a head start if state requirements change for law enforcement degrees.

Principal Mesa and board members praised the students and staff for program growth and student engagement. The presentation was followed by the principal—s broader school report on CCAP enrollment, attendance-recovery plans and a facilities update including a slated football-stadium opening and first competition in December.

The board did not take a separate formal action on the pathway during the meeting; the presentation was given as the principal—s showcase item and board members asked follow-up questions about tracking and program expansion.