A major change is taking place for the business program for the 2026-2027 school year as the formally known Distribute Education Clubs of America (DECA) makes its way to replace the longtime Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter.
“I’ve worked here for 18 years and FBLA has been a part of this school since before I started working here,” said FBLA adviser Dr. Sandra Braun.
The switch has been in the works since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but was ultimately delayed.
“What’s ironic is that years ago, before COVID, we decided to switch to DECA with the administrators. It got approved and when it was time to come back to school, it kind of got brushed off and we stuck with FBLA,” said Braun.
Students’ interest played a major role in finalizing the transition.
“So many of the kids were asking about DECA. When students have friends in other districts, they hear about it more often and are more curious about it,” said Braun.
DECA is a seventy-five year old international non profit organization that’s divided into a high school and a collegiate division. Its focus areas are on marketing, entrepreneurship, business management/administration, and hospitality/tourism. Members compete at district, state, and international levels. The purpose is to gain exposure to the business fields by connecting experience in the classroom to professional fields which helps students develop leadership and communication skills that will carry with them throughout their careers.
With DECA, there comes new requirements. Previously, regular members of FBLA were not required to be enrolled in a business class. However, this has been changed.
“We asked the administration if it should be a requirement and they said yes. We are now making regular members have at least one business class, because why be in a business club without learning in a class?” said Braun.
“If I had to describe my experience in FBLA in one word, I would say unforgettable. I gained a lot of experience and skills from this club, and I hope that this continues for students joining DECA next year,” said senior Jaslyn C.
Other students who compete at the state level business competition in Rochester are more excited about the competitive environment DECA offers. Competitors study their topics, compete to the best of their abilities, and see if they can qualify at the national level.
“I want to be in the business field when I grow up, and FBLA was the perfect club for me to have opportunities to compete head to head with other students who are also looking to learn,” I’m very excited for DECA next year because it is definitely more known than FBLA in lots of schools,” said junior Rishika S.
The new era for the business program is one that promises to expand opportunities for students and will encourage them to grow. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, students through ninth and twelfth grade must be enrolled in a business class, & be able to pay the registration fee by the end of September. 
