A West Salem High School career pathway that prepares students for firefighting and emergency-services work could be eliminated next school year, raising concerns from families who say students have already committed time, schedules and future plans to the two-year program.
The program, formally listed by Salem-Keizer Public Schools as part of its CTE: Emergency Services pathway, gives students hands-on experience connected to fire and emergency services. Families involved with the program say they have been told the course is tentatively not being offered in the fall.
Aaron Harada, Salem-Keizer Public Schools director of communications, said the decision is tied to low enrollment and broader budget constraints. Harada said fewer than 10 students are enrolled in the class, and the district has had to prioritize classes with stronger attendance as students pursue career certifications…