Virginia Beach schools to split Public Safety CTE into separate firefighting and law-enforcement tracks

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools presented a plan to split the long-running Public Safety CTE program into two stand‑alone pathways — firefighting and law enforcement — with the goal of creating clearer career pathways and stronger partnerships with local agencies.

Dr. Sarah Lockett, director of Technical and Career Education, told the board the split will let staff build deeper partnerships with the Virginia Beach Police Department, the sheriff’s office and the fire department, and create more internship and employment opportunities for students. “Students in the law enforcement class will have the opportunity to apply for part time work in the patrol aid program with the Virginia Beach Police Department, a position that pays over $22 per hour,” she said. Lockett said the sheriff’s office plans to hire some graduates directly, with starting salaries she described as “more than $58,000 a year.” The programs would be offered to 11th–12th graders on a double‑block schedule and would begin in August 2027 if approved. She said equipment needs will be covered partly by reallocated resources and by the federal Carl D. Perkins grant.

Board members asked about access and selection. Vice Chair Rogers and others pressed how the application process will ensure students who intend to pursue the career — rather than students seeking a résumé boost for college applications — can enter programs. Lockett said the application is “blind” with multiple factors considered (GPA, attendance, essays, demonstrated commitment), and that seats will be limited by state safety caps to roughly 20 students per instructor in the first year. The board did not take a final vote during this presentation; staff requested approval to proceed with recruitment and program build‑out for fall outreach and hiring.