The Richland School District Two Board of Trustees meeting on March 11, 2025, highlighted the success and future plans of the district's inaugural flight academy program. Launched in September, the program has already seen ten students participate, learning essential aviation skills and earning the opportunity to qualify for scholarships from the United States Air Force.

During the meeting, a representative emphasized the importance of the flight academy, noting that two cadets have been selected as alternates for scholarships, with hopes that they will secure their private pilot's licenses by the end of the academic year. The representative expressed enthusiasm for the program, stating that it has generated significant interest among students, who admire their peers in flight suits.

To ensure the continuation of the flight academy, the representative requested a budget allocation of $6,500 for the upcoming fall semester. This funding would cover the costs of a flight instructor and provide cadets with essential flight training before they take their avionics qualifying test. The goal is to establish the flight academy as a permanent feature of the district's JROTC program, attracting more students to Richland School District Two.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the board to support the flight academy, emphasizing its potential benefits for students and the district as a whole. The initiative aims to position Richland School District Two as a leader in aviation education, fostering a new generation of skilled pilots.