Board approves CTE course changes and hears proposal for fire/EMT academy

District staff and fire department leaders presented a proposal to add career and technical education courses, including a proposed high-school fire/EMT academy, to the district’s course catalog. Board members approved the course abstract package after discussion of logistics and costs.

Fire Chief Matt Sullivan told the board the program could help address local recruitment challenges by preparing students for certification and employment. "When a student graduates or finishes the fire curriculum... they could be certified," Sullivan said, and Durham Technical Community College has agreed to certify students as EMTs.

Board members asked about where the program would be located (Chapel Hill High and the district training facilities were proposed), capacity and transfer exceptions for students from other schools, equipment costs such as turnout gear, and the timeline needed to register students. Staff said firefighting credentials require trainees to be 18 for certain certifications, and the program would give students a head start so they could complete the remaining classes after graduation.

The board approved the proposed changes to CTE course offerings and directed staff to continue planning with the fire department and Durham Tech, including messaging for students and families about registration and capacity.

Ending: Staff will return with implementation details on scheduling, staffing, equipment costs and transfer/registration guidance ahead of program launch.