Bay District Schools and Gulf Coast State College officially signed a new articulation agreement Tuesday evening, launching the district’s first-ever Career and Technical Education (CTE) Fire Academy at Rutherford High School beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
The agreement, approved during the Bay District School Board meeting, creates a new pathway for students interested in careers in firefighting and emergency services while helping strengthen Bay County’s future workforce of first responders.
Through the partnership with Gulf Coast State College, Rutherford High School students entering 9th or 10th grade next school year will have the opportunity to begin firefighter training while still in high school. Students enrolled in the academy may be eligible to earn articulated credit toward Firefighter I certification by completing 191 instructional hours prior to graduation.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want to provide for our students: real-world career training that leads directly to employment opportunities right here in Bay County,” said Superintendent Mark McQueen. “Not every student’s path looks the same after graduation, and this program gives students a tremendous head start toward a meaningful and rewarding career serving their community.”
The Fire Academy was developed through collaboration between Bay District Schools, Gulf Coast State College, and local leaders focused on expanding career opportunities for students while building a stronger pipeline of future firefighters and emergency personnel in Bay County.
Students who successfully complete the coursework and meet state requirements will be able to continue into Firefighter II certification after graduation, moving closer to becoming certified paid firefighters in the State of Florida.
District leaders say Rutherford High School will serve as the pilot site for the program, with hopes to eventually expand first responder career pathways into additional areas such as EMS, law enforcement, and emergency communications.
“This is about growing our own,” McQueen added. “We are creating opportunities for students to stay local, serve local, and build careers that make a difference.”
The new Fire Academy represents another expansion of Bay District Schools’ Career and Technical Education offerings, designed to connect students with high-demand, high-skill careers while preparing them for success after graduation.